Indian Railways has confirmed that no additional train cancellations are planned in connection with the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Delhi. This announcement, made on October 10, 2026, offers a reprieve to thousands of passengers after a day of significant disruption.
The development comes after the Railway Board cancelled more than 250 trains linked to New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations. These cancellations were implemented ahead of the CJP's protest, which demands the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Widespread Disruptions and Criticism
The initial decision to halt operations for such a large number of trains drew sharp criticism from railway experts, passenger bodies, and recognized federations. Many described the move as unprecedented and anti-passenger.
"The decision to cancel so many trains amounts to surrendering to the protesters. It is very unfortunate," stated Subodh Jain, former Member (Engineering) of the Railway Board. He noted that while individual trains had been cancelled due to agitations previously, such a large-scale cancellation was unheard of.
Shiv Gopal Mishra, general secretary of the All India Railwaymen's Federation, echoed this sentiment, condemning the move as "unfortunate and anti-passenger." He highlighted the immense inconvenience caused to passengers traveling for urgent medical reasons, work, or family events, comparing the scale of disruption only to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
Impact on Passengers
Passenger associations across the country also voiced their concerns. Basant Kumar Shukla, secretary of the Nagpur-based Bhartiya Yatri Kendra, pointed out the hardship faced by passengers who book tickets well in advance, only to face sudden cancellations without adequate explanation. He suggested alternative measures could have been taken to manage protesters without inconveniencing the public.
M. Jameel Ahamed, chairman of the Coimbatore District Railway Passengers' Welfare Association, warned that the large number of affected passengers could impact reservation availability for several days. He described the cancellations as a "knee-jerk reaction" that failed to consider the adverse effects on passenger interests.
Security Measures Remain
Despite the decision to resume normal services, security remains heightened in the capital. Railway officials are reportedly in constant contact with law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation and ensure passenger safety. The cancellations had specifically affected trains departing from originating stations after 2 PM on October 9, and those arriving at New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 AM and 2 PM on October 10.