After the Chandigarh Administration made an announcement on June 26 allowing all retail stores except bars, and taverns to function for 24 hours a day; almost two months later, as many enterprises have started working round the clock. Thus, it can be said that this move advocated by the same administration was meant to ease up making business in town which can be seen as a major boost to its economy.
Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh confirmed that the number of applications for 24-hour operations is gradually increasing. “The applications are picking up gradually, and 40 have come forward to open their outlets,” Singh told The Indian Express. Among the businesses embracing the extended hours are popular chains like 24Seven, KFC, and Yo! China, Subway, and McDonald’s.
The program was launched as part of a larger attempt to boost productivity and economic growth in the Union Territory. The Administration’s statement emphasised that dealers and retailers would no longer need to get special authorisation from the labour department to operate after regular hours, making it simpler for enterprises to prosper.
Despite the potential benefits, some business owners remain cautious. Ketan Kalra, owner of Super Donuts, shared his mixed experience after attempting late-night operations at his Sector 35 and Sector 8 outlets. “Initially, the response was encouraging with 12-15 walk-in customers per store after 11 pm, thanks to effective social media and article marketing,” Kalra said. However, he noted that night visits from the police, who insisted on closing despite the new regulations, dampened his enthusiasm. “We decided to halt our late-night operations after a few weekends, hoping for clearer guidance from authorities.”
As the initiative continues to roll out, businesses are hoping for more consistent enforcement and clearer communication from authorities to fully capitalize on the new 24×7 operational opportunity.
