Companies brave the odds

The serial blasts are unlikely to completely derail commercial activity in Mumbai.

Though most Mumbai businessmen could not be contacted in the evening, due to congestion in telephone lines, industry associations said the present crisis would not have any impact on business sentiment.

But, if such incidents occurred recurrently, it could lead to a slowdown in investments. Nicholas Piramal Executive Director Swati Piramal said, "The corporate world will not bow to such attempts; it is resilient."

At least three airlines, Jet Airways, Indian and Air Deccan, said they would not cancel any flights from Mumbai, though there might be delays.

However, the airlines are expecting cancellation of some passenger bookings for Mumbai. Travel agents said passengers for Mumbai had still not cancelled bookings, though a clearer picture would emerge only tomorrow.

"People around the world are getting used to such occurrences," said Himmat Anand, COO (India and South Asia), Sita.

On account of the time difference, reactions of travellers from Europe and the US would be known only tomorrow.