Delhi Police Seeks Closure Of 57 Metro Stations’ Gates Ahead Of October 10 Protests; Services May Be Hit

The Delhi Police has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to consider closing entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations from Friday night, October 9, ahead of planned protests at Jantar Mantar and other locations in the New Delhi district on Saturday.

In a letter dated October 8, the Joint Commissioner of Police, Transport Range, also proposed reducing metro train frequency at the identified stations, citing the possibility of unruly crowds moving towards sensitive locations.

The proposed restrictions could begin at 9 pm on October 9 and remain in force through October 10, until the situation in the national capital returns to normal.

The letter, addressed to DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar, requested the metro corporation to issue necessary instructions to its officers and staff to implement the proposed measures.

Which 57 Delhi Metro Stations Could Face Restrictions?

The stations identified in the police communication include Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Mandi House, ITO, Delhi Gate, Khan Market, Supreme Court and Indraprastha.

Other stations on the list are INA, Hauz Khas, Lajpat Nagar, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, Jama Masjid, Vishwavidyalaya, Seelampur, Shahdara and Rohini West.

The proposed restrictions also cover Lok Kalyan Marg, Jor Bagh, Jangpura, Ashram, Jamia Millia Islamia, Okhla Vihar, Civil Lines, GTB Nagar, Adarsh Nagar, Jahangir Puri, Welcome, Yamuna Vihar and Rithala. INA station on both metro lines has also been included.

The identified stations are spread across central, south, north, east and northeast Delhi.

The proposed measures are subject to implementation by the DMRC. Commuters should check official Delhi Metro advisories for confirmed station closures and service changes before travelling.

Why Has Delhi Police Proposed Metro Restrictions?

The proposed measures come ahead of demonstrations planned for October 10, amid continuing protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called for a ‘Chalo Delhi’ march, with protesters raising concerns over the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

The police has cited the possibility of large crowds moving towards sensitive locations as the reason for seeking restrictions at the identified metro stations.

The final impact on metro operations will depend on the measures implemented by the DMRC and any subsequent police advisories.