In the wake of the powerful blast near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed eight people and injured more than 20 others, the national capital remained on high alert on Tuesday, with sweeping security restrictions and multiple closures in place across the city.
Authorities have sealed off the blast site and adjoining areas, including the Red Fort and the Lal Quila Metro Station, as forensic experts and police teams continue their investigation.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which manages the 17th-century monument, announced that the Red Fort would remain closed to visitors until 13 November. “The investigation of the crime scene is ongoing and yet to be completed,” an ASI official said, describing the closure as a “temporary security precaution.”
Shops and markets in nearby Chandni Chowk also downed shutters on Tuesday following an appeal from the Chandni Chowk Traders’ Association. “There’s a sense of fear among traders after the blast,” said association president Sanjay Bhargaw, whose store stands just a few hundred metres from the site. “The explosion was so powerful that our building shook. People ran out in panic, thinking it was another attack.”
Traffic restrictions have been imposed across Old Delhi, with the Delhi Traffic Police banning vehicular movement on Netaji Subhash Marg between Chatta Rail Cut and Subhash Marg Cut until further notice. Commuters have been urged to take alternative routes to avoid the affected stretch.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that the Lal Quila Metro Station will remain shut “for security reasons” until further updates, though all other stations are functioning normally.
Elsewhere, the New Delhi Traders’ Association (NDTA) urged authorities to strengthen surveillance in busy commercial zones such as Connaught Place. “There are abandoned vehicles and unauthorised goods stored in parking areas, which pose a major security risk,” said NDTA president Atul Bhargav. “We’ve asked NDMC and Delhi Police to act swiftly to remove encroachments and tighten checks.”
Late on Monday night, multiple police teams conducted raids across hotels in Paharganj, Daryaganj and nearby areas. Four people were detained for questioning, and hotel registers and CCTV footage were examined to trace any link to the car used in the blast. Security has since been intensified across the national capital, with heightened deployment at airports, railway stations and major transport hubs.
