'Even a day's loss hits us': Roadside vendors, hawkers asked to not open along BRICS route

For Suraj Kumar (33), three days of BRICS Summit means many more days of no work. The vendor, who comes to Connaught Place from Narela, gets paid ₹500 a day from the stall owner, but since Monday (September 7, 2026) he has been able to put up only half of his stall after Delhi Police personnel asked some vendors in Janpath to keep their roadside shops closed till Sunday (September 13).

“The owner is paying me now only ₹250, and till the next three days I won't even get that,” he said.

Suraj is among several roadside vendors and hawkers along the routes identified for VIP movements and stays during BRICS Summit, with the Delhi Police verbally asking hawkers and street vendors along parts of the routes linked to the summit to remain closed from September 11 to 13 for security reasons.

On Thursday (September 10), the usually crowded inner lane of Janpath Market was largely silent. Stalls selling clothes, accessories and jewellery remained packed and covered, with no vendors putting out their goods.

“Police said these markets are where crowd gathers, so it can only be opened on Monday and has been closed from past three days,” said Mohan, a guard sitting near the covered stalls.

For Simran Khakhodiya (31) and Ashwin (27), who sell lehengas in Gujarati Lane in Janpath, their earnings through the week are almost doubled by weekend sales. “There were restrictions when student protest was going on and the market was shut and now roadside vendors have been asked to shut their shops again. Our earning throughout the week just doubles on the weekend. But whatever they have to say we have to do,” they said. “These restrictions hit the people who are dependent on daily earning.”

Mohammed Hayat, a member of the NDMC Town Vending Committee, said vendors had mostly been told about the restrictions verbally. In some parts of Janpath, which is a key route, he said, the restrictions had been in effect since Monday. “Since it is for security reasons along all the routes and hotels related to BRICS summit, we cannot say anything. A daily earner is going to be impacted by even a day's earning gone.” Mr. Hayat said the restrictions should be lifted on Monday, as communicated, rather than being extended further.

For 50-year-old Ramkumar Singh, who travels from Paharganj to set up a small snacks stall, the closure will mean a loss of about ₹3,000. “We have everyday spending of ₹200-250, with a family of five. Even a day's loss hits us,” he said. “I have also been asked to close. I don't set up shop anywhere else, so I will just sit at home, what else?”

Amit (33), who runs a roadside jewellery and stone stall with two partners, estimated that their combined loss could be ₹25,000-30,000.

The restrictions have not, however, affected all traders in the area in the same way. The New Delhi Traders’ Association said Connaught Place market would remain open throughout the summit, though customers have been advised to follow traffic restrictions while travelling to the area. The Janpath Traders Association also said shops in the market would remain open.

Ashok Grover (70), who owns a shop in the area, said he could open but had decided against it because he expected little business. “All routes to here are restricted. How will people even show up? Better to stay at home, and save up on commute and electricity bill of the shop,” he said.

A local food outlet owner in Connaught Place said they had received no instructions to shut and would keep their shop open.