The Advent of Delhi Metro in Chandni Chowk

One would think that the metro line through Chandni Chowk would have brought in streams of shoppers and tourists. After all, it makes the famed Chandni Chowk far more accessible-even to those from areas as far away as Rithala and Shahadara, Dwarka and Indraprastha, Central Secretariat and Delhi University- incidentally, the metro terminals as of today. Earlier the lure of kaju paranthas, kareem kababs, phirni and desi ghee sweets could still be passed over in lieu of massive transportation trouble and costs. However, considering the new accessibility of the famed paranthewali gali, jewellery and sari markets, as well as Red Fort and Jama Masjid, it is a wonder that business in the transport and food markets has not boomed.
It is of course, not surprising that ‘Phatphat Sewa’ has seen a 50% decline in revenue as per the estimates of the van drivers. Though this stream of taxi vans, which picks up various passengers along established routes, provides a cheaper travelling alternative to passengers from Shahadara, Maujpur, Krishna Nagar, Selampur, Bhajjanpur and Connaught Place, it is far slower and less comfortable than the Metro. The Phatphat Sewa line of taxi vans that once ran from Connaught Place to Chandni Chowk had to be disbanded altogether due to lack of demand. Evidently, commuters prefer the Metro.
However, a rickshaw puller claimed that his returns have increased so much so that he earns Rs. 20 more than he did before the ‘Yellow Line’ became operational. This is primarily because rickshaws complement the Metro unlike Phatphat Sewa, which acts as a substitute. Most commuters leave their vehicles behind in metro station parking lots, take the metro to Chandni Chowk and then climb into rickshaws. Thus this approximate increase of Rs.20 per day in returns, and hence profit on the part of the rickshaw puller is a small wonder indeed.
As per the food market, one particular trend may be observed. The shops closer to the metro station have by and large, experienced larger increases in returns than shops that are further off. Chaina wala may have been recognised as the best sweet shop in 2006 by The Times Group and it may have won the Times Food Award for three years in succession, but it has experienced no significant increase in returns. Bikanervala which is slightly closer, reports a 2-4% increase. However, the far more proximate Vishal Mava Bhandar estimates a 25-30% increase, despite the fact that it is only 20 years old while Bikanervala is 44 and Chaina wala, 59. Another beneficiary, in terms of returns, is Tewari and Sons which has estimated a 10-15% increase in profits. However, it is a deviation from this trend as it is closer to the Metro station than Vishal Mava Bhandar, and just as old. Of course, this observation need not hold true at all, as the profit figures might have been either overestimated or underestimated by the shopkeepers, for various reasons. The owner of Bhikarams chose to lay the blame for his less than significant increase in returns upon the fact that Chandni Chowk has far too much rush and bustle and far too many strikes, to attract customers. According to him, there shall be no increase in business until there is a change in the state of affairs.
It may seem odd that Kanwarjis, the famous 125 years old, desi ghee sweet shop has seen no significant changes in returms. Paranthewali gali on the other hand, has received scores of visitors. ‘The Power of Paranthas’ owned by P.T. Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan estimated a 20-30 percent increase in revenues. Of course, this shop dates its origin to 1872. Yet even the merely 95 years old Babu Ram Parantha Wale has earned a 50% increase in returns. Kanwarjis have not been as successful as their prices are too high and they cater only to an exclusive clientele.
It is however significant that even those shopkeepers, who have not acquired a significant increase in revenues, add that Delhi Metro has been a huge convenience. It has caused a decrease in congestion as people no longer park their vehicles in Chandni Chowk . They take the metro and then, find a rickshaw. Even shop assistants, employees and owners can easily commute to their work areas in Chandni Chowk and no longer need their cars and scooters, leaving the narrow galis to pedestrians. Parking space, however, is to be increased, which shall reduce congestion even further. As per strikes, as the owner of Bikanervala put it, “Strikes don’t happen all the time.” Most shop-owners estimate a future increase in returns-even if they aren’t too high at present. They estimate that with traffic regulations and a lesser wastage of commuting hours, business shall soon boom in Chandni Chowk.


(Just a little primary interview based survey taken long back. Hope it can be of interest.)
Ruchira Sen.