Construction boards make shops ‘invisible’, sales dip to new low

The problems of traders in Connuaght Place have multiplied since construction work began on the radial roads. Not only has the digging diverted the average shopper’s attention away from CP, but also made the shops virtually invisible.

The problems of traders in Connuaght Place have multiplied since construction work began on the radial roads. Not only has the digging diverted the average shopper’s attention away from CP, but also made the shops virtually invisible.

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Some of the prime luxury goods stores appear desolate with their façade completely blocked from public view, by the signboards.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had started digging up radial roads for the purpose of connecting them through the underground tunnel being constructed in the Middle Circle.

"This problem has been persisting since 2010 and we have complained to the NDMC and Delhi government officials," said Manoj Yadav, manager at Capital Studio in CP's B - block.

"The digging has isolated the shop from the public. Earlier we used to get around 60 customers per day, but now the number is down to 10," Yadav added.

Despite the holiday and festive season still on, sales have begun to dip sharply, with shops not recording any expansion in the customer base.

While pedestrians are inconvenienced due to the incompletion of the three subways — which are yet to be made fully functional after the installation of escalators — traders are also dissatisfied with the quality of work being carried on.

"Since we sell luxury products, it's important for the environment to be conducive for sales. But because of the construction, customers are choosing to stay away," said Pankaj Lakhani, manager, Johnson Watch Company.