Entry and exit gates at 57 Delhi Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk and Kashmere Gate, will remain closed from 9 pm on Friday until further notice because of security arrangements ahead of a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said.
The restrictions were announced by the DMRC on Friday after a request from the Delhi Police. The police said the proposed protests at Jantar Mantar and other locations in the New Delhi district could lead to “unruly movement” towards sensitive locations.
The affected stations include several major interchange and central Delhi stops. Janpath, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Indraprastha, ITO, Delhi Gate, Khan Market, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Hauz Khas and INA are among the stations where entry and exit gates will be closed.
The list also includes Shaheen Bagh, Jamia Millia Islamia, Okhla Vihar, Kalindi Kunj, Lajpat Nagar, Ashram, Sarai Kale Khan-Nizamuddin, Welcome, Shahdara, Rithala, Rohini, Azadpur, Jangpura and Shivaji Stadium. The restrictions cover stations across central, south, north-east and outer parts of the capital, potentially affecting passengers travelling towards central Delhi and other sensitive areas.
The DMRC said the restrictions would continue on October 10. Interchange facilities will remain available at all affected stations except New Delhi metro station, although passengers will not be able to enter or exit through the closed gates. The New Delhi station will not provide the interchange facility during the restriction period, according to the announcement.
The Delhi Police letter to the DMRC, dated October 8, also indicated that the frequency of metro trains passing through the identified stations may be reduced on Saturday depending on the situation. The proposed protest is scheduled to take place at Jantar Mantar, while the police request referred to other locations in the New Delhi district as well.
The restrictions are expected to affect commuters using key interchange points and stations serving government offices, commercial districts, markets and central city destinations. Passengers using the Metro on October 10 will need to account for station access restrictions and possible changes in train frequency. The DMRC said the closures would remain in force until further notice, with operations subject to the security situation.
