Patna: Protest marches over the alleged NEET question paper leak and other demands disrupted business activity across Patna for two consecutive days, with traders estimating losses of nearly Rs 15 crore due to reduced customer footfall and prolonged traffic congestion.
Demonstrations on Wednesday and Thursday affected traffic on major commercial corridors, including Ashok Rajpath, Fraser Road, Dak Bungalow Chowk, Exhibition Road and the Gandhi Maidan area. Traders said the congestion discouraged shoppers from visiting markets and also disrupted the movement of goods.
Trade Bodies Estimate Heavy Losses
According to traders’ associations, customers were unable to reach markets because of road blockades and traffic jams, resulting in lower sales for both retail and wholesale businesses. Several shopkeepers also shut their establishments earlier than usual as protests continued in different parts of the city.
Business leaders said deliveries and the supply of goods were also delayed, adding to the financial impact on traders.
Traders Seek Better Traffic Management
Ajay Gupta, president of the Bihar State Traders’ Association, said repeated traffic disruptions in the city’s main commercial areas adversely affect business.
He said while peaceful protest is a democratic right, authorities should ensure arrangements that minimise inconvenience to the public and the trading community.
Commercial Areas Witness Decline In Footfall
Ashish Rohatgi, a trader on Exhibition Road, said customer footfall fell sharply during the two-day protests, affecting sales during an important business period.
Umesh Kumar, a trader from the Fraser Road-Dak Bungalow Chowk area, said the junction is one of Patna’s busiest commercial hubs and prolonged traffic congestion discouraged customers from visiting nearby markets.
Bihar Industries Association (BIA) general secretary Amarnath Jaiswal said road disruptions affect both trade and industry. Ranjit Kumar of the Khetan Market Association said traders suffered a double setback as reduced customer arrivals coincided with operational disruptions caused by the protests.
