Delhi is set for major travel disruptions on 10 October as authorities intensify security arrangements for a protest planned at Jantar Mantar, with metro station closures, train cancellations, border checks and restrictions around central Delhi expected to affect commuters and visitors.
The protest has been proposed by the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, which has not received permission from Delhi Police. According to the report, the police cited the short notice, alleged non-compliance with earlier directions, and concerns over public safety, law and order and traffic management in refusing permission for the gathering.
The restrictions are expected to be concentrated in New Delhi and central Delhi, but their effects could extend to passengers travelling through the capital. Delhi Traffic Police has advised people heading towards railway stations, interstate bus terminals and airports through New Delhi and central Delhi to leave with additional time and avoid non-essential travel.
The report says between 23,000 and 26,000 security personnel have been deployed for the proposed demonstration. The force includes Delhi Police personnel and units from the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Central Industrial Security Force.
Access to the Delhi Metro network has also been restricted. The report initially cited the closure of 57 stations, before stating that the number had been reduced to 45 following a Supreme Court order. The report does not provide the names of the stations or the full details of the order. Commuters should therefore check the latest Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Delhi Police advisories before beginning their journeys.
Rail services are also expected to be affected. Trains arriving at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin from other states have reportedly been cancelled, while trains travelling towards Delhi are undergoing intensive checks. The report also states that the New Delhi area has seen internet restrictions and that Delhi’s borders have been sealed for checking, although it does not specify the duration or geographic limits of those measures.
YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has reached Delhi and circulated a video from near India Gate urging people to attend the protest. In the video, as reported by Live Hindustan, Rathee alleged that the security arrangements had created “lockdown-like” conditions in the capital and claimed that more than 50 metro stations had been closed. Those claims are his allegations and are separate from the transport and security measures attributed to authorities in the report.
The proposed mobilisation has received support from the All India Students’ Association, the Students’ Federation of India and the All India Students’ Federation. Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal has also said that he would attend with his family. The report does not establish the expected size of the gathering.
For residents, the immediate impact will be on access to central government offices, railway stations, public spaces and major road corridors. The next operational updates are expected from Delhi Police, Delhi Traffic Police and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation before and during the proposed 10 October protest.
