Delhi Metro services could face major disruption on 10 October, with Delhi Police proposing the closure of entry and exit gates at 57 stations and a reduction in train frequency ahead of a planned Cockroach Jantar Party protest march to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
According to Live Hindustan, the police proposal was conveyed to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation through a letter from the Delhi Metro Police. The proposed restrictions could begin at 9 pm on 9 October and continue until conditions return to normal. The police cited the possibility of large crowds gathering during the protest.
The planned march has been announced by CJP convenor Abhijit Deepke. The organisation is demanding the withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, and accountability over the alleged removal of voters’ names. Delhi Police has said it did not grant permission for the protest, citing the late submission of the application and alleged violations of rules during an earlier demonstration.
The proposed metro restrictions are part of a wider security response in the capital. The report said the Railways cancelled all mail and express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations on 10 October, citing anticipated traffic congestion linked to the protest. The report did not specify the number of cancelled services or whether alternative arrangements had been announced for affected passengers.
Delhi Police has also registered 25 first information reports in connection with protests held in the city since 2 October. The cases relate to alleged damage to public property, assault and scuffles involving police personnel, obstruction of government work and alleged violations of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in the New Delhi district.
The security deployment has reportedly been increased ahead of Saturday’s planned mobilisation, with opposition parties also expected to join the protest activity. Live Hindustan reported that 12,000 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were airlifted from West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jammu and Kashmir to support Delhi Police.
For commuters, the proposed station closures could affect transfers and access to central Delhi, while the reported railway cancellations could disrupt passengers travelling to the capital’s two major railway terminals. Delhi Police and the transport authorities are expected to take a final decision based on the security situation and crowd movement on 10 October.
