Delhi Police has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to close the entry and exit gates of 57 stations from 9 p.m. on October 9 ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar, a measure that could disrupt travel across multiple parts of the capital.
The proposed restrictions are set out in a letter dated October 8 issued by the office of the Joint Commissioner of Police, Transport Range, and addressed to the DMRC managing director. The letter asks the metro operator to instruct relevant officers and staff to take the necessary measures to prevent large crowds from moving towards sensitive locations and to maintain law and order.
The restrictions are expected to remain in place on October 10 until the situation normalises. The police have identified stations across northern, southern, eastern, western and central Delhi, indicating that preparations are focused on possible crowd movement from several parts of the city rather than only the area around Jantar Mantar.
The list includes major interchange and central stations such as Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, ITO, Kashmere Gate, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Lok Kalyan Marg, Barakhamba Road, Delhi Gate and Khan Market. Other stations named in the letter include Hauz Khas, INA, Lajpat Nagar, Sarai Kale Khan–Nizamuddin, Jamia Millia Islamia, Okhla Vihar, Chawri Bazar, Jama Masjid, Karol Bagh, Vishwavidyalaya, Civil Lines, Azadpur, Shahdara, Seelampur, Jafrabad, Rithala and Rohini West.
According to senior police officials cited in the report, authorities are concerned that protesters could arrive from different parts of the city, gather near station entrances and then move towards Jantar Mantar or other sensitive locations. Officials also said some people could arrive early and use areas outside station gates as meeting points before joining the protest.
Delhi’s Metro network has around 227 stations, making the proposed 57-station restriction significant for passengers who rely on the system for office, education, medical and railway-related journeys. However, the police letter specifically requests the closure of station entry and exit gates; it does not explicitly state that train services at all 57 stations will be suspended.
This means trains could continue to pass through some stations even if passengers are unable to enter or leave there. Any additional service restrictions will depend on operational instructions issued by the DMRC. The police have asked commuters to check official metro advisories for the latest arrangements.
Passengers travelling late on October 9 or on October 10 have been advised to allow extra time and consider alternative routes. Those travelling to government offices, railway stations, hospitals and other essential destinations should verify their routes before setting out. The restrictions are scheduled to remain until the situation normalises, according to the police communication.
