Chandni Chowk market to be closed on Tuesday after blast near Red Fort

New Delhi: The Chandni Chowk market will be closed on Tuesday following a powerful blast near the Red Fort that killed at least eight people and injured 24 others, the market association said.

"The shops in Chandni Chowk will be closed on Tuesday as there is fear among traders after the blast," said Sanjay Bhargaw, president of the Chandni Chowk Traders Association.

Bhargaw, whose shop is a few hundred metres from the blast site, said the explosion was so strong that their entire building shook. "There was chaos in the market as people started running," he said.

Following the incident, several traders' associations have sought increased security arrangements in crowded commercial areas.

The New Delhi Traders' Association (NDTA) said several abandoned cars are parked in Connaught Place inner circle parking lots.

"The parking lots are full of illegal hawkers' goods being used as storehouses. Pedestrian corridors are blocked by big stalls, leaving little room for movement or escape during emergencies. We have requested the NDMC enforcement wing and Delhi Police to take immediate action," Atul Bhargav of the NDTA said.

A high-intensity explosion ripped through a car near the Red Fort on Monday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring 24 others.

A high alert has been sounded across the capital. Ten fire tenders were rushed to the spot and police has cordoned off the area.