Delhi Metro commuters faced significant disruption on Thursday morning as 16 stations across central Delhi were temporarily closed due to "security reasons" amid ongoing protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The closures, impacting key lines including Blue, Yellow, and Violet, left thousands stranded and forced to seek alternative transport before all stations were reopened later in the day.
Metro Stations Affected by Security Measures
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced the closures, which included major hubs like Rajiv Chowk, ITO, and Central Secretariat. While trains continued to run on the lines, entry and exit gates at the affected stations were barricaded, with police deployed to manage the situation. Commuters attempting to alight found themselves unable to exit the premises.
The full list of stations where entry and exit gates were shut includes:
- Lok Kalyan Marg
- Rajiv Chowk
- Patel Chowk
- Ramakrishna Ashram Marg
- Barakhambha Road
- Supreme Court
- Seva Teerth
- Janpath
- Central Secretariat
- ITO
- Delhi Gate
- Indraprastha
- Khan Market
- Jor Bagh
- Shivaji Stadium
DMRC clarified that interchange facilities remained operational at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat, allowing passengers to switch lines despite the gate closures.
CJP Protest and Its Impact
The metro closures coincided with the second day of the CJP's attempted marches to Parliament, centered on demands for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest, reportedly held at Jantar Mantar, prompted the heightened security measures across the capital's transit system.
Later in the day, DMRC confirmed via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that all affected stations had been reopened for passenger services, alleviating the earlier chaos for commuters.