Kolkata: Resumption of air travel between India and Bangladesh on Sunday has raised business expectations in the middle Kolkata which is now eyeing the rotation in front of the Puja.
Traders and hospitality in Pasar Baru, free school roads, Jalan Marquis, Lindsay Street and Park Street, where trade is very dependent on Bangladesh customers, sighing relieved after the first flight from Dhaka, Biman Bangladesh, landed at Kolkata airport Sunday morning Since the flight movement between the two countries was suspended during the second wave in April.
TiViewthi, even without our guests from Bangladesh, is one of the most crowded areas in the city.
This is a good news that trade will continue in this district; Many businesses face a very difficult time since the Covid-19 outbreak.
But care needs to be taken and all protocols need to be followed if we want a busy time to survive.
“Our business is completely dependent on the part of the top-class Bangladesh customers who come during Eid al-Fitr and Puja to shop from here.
Even in the midst of a pandemic, there are several customers who are dedicated last year.
But this year, business has dropped almost nothing inside In the last few months.
I only hope the return of the flight brings back some of my loyal foreign customers, “said Sunil Mahatamo, who has a clothing store on Marquis Street.
A new market owner said Bangaldeshi customers were nearly 50% of their sales.
“With a travel resuming with a medical visa, most people will return with their patients.
We hope they will come to shop at the new market too,” said Vinay Mangalani, the owner of the Silk Bombay shop.
It echoes by the owner of the Menka, another popular Saree shop in Pasar Baru.
While Bangladesh accounts for more than 50% of sales in the new market, they also increase 70% of businesses in hotels, guest houses, and foreign currency exchange in Sudder Street, free school roads, Royd and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road and 80% of transporting business in the area.
“During the pre-covid pues, we used to bind with other guest houses to arrange additional rooms for our customers.
But their absence has now hit us badly,” said Mir Ashraf Ali, manager Oriental Hotel in Sudder Street.
Restaurants like Kasturi and Radhuni on a free school road which also depends mostly on Bangladesh customers have begun to tarnish their menu with many items that are favorites among visitors.
(With input from Amit Mouizk)