Several Delhi-bound trains from Lucknow and other parts of Uttar Pradesh were cancelled amid heightened security arrangements for a protest at Jantar Mantar, forcing passengers to switch at short notice to expensive flights, road journeys or multiple taxi changes. The disruption affected people travelling for admissions, business meetings, interviews and other scheduled appointments.
The Railways attributed the cancellations to the possibility of severe road congestion near New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations. According to a Railway Board circular cited in the report, trains that left their originating stations after 2 pm on October 9 and were scheduled to reach New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 were cancelled.
Passengers who had booked tickets weeks in advance said they were compelled to revise their plans after receiving information about the cancellations. Some opted for flights despite higher fares, while others arranged road travel involving several taxi changes. Some passengers cancelled their trips altogether.
The disruption exposed the dependence of intercity travellers on fixed rail schedules for time-sensitive journeys between Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Rahul Mishra of Sitapur said he was travelling to Delhi for an admission-related appointment and was unsure whether he would arrive on time. Sanjay Yadav of Rae Bareli said he had a meeting with a supplier in Delhi and could lose a day because of the cancelled train.
Vibhu Kumar, who had an interview with a private company in Delhi, said the company did not accept his request to postpone the meeting to Monday. Rohit Mishra, a student from Lucknow, was also forced to reconsider his Delhi trip after his train was cancelled at short notice.
Rail and road travel were both affected by the security arrangements. UPSRTC buses and other vehicles travelling towards Delhi were checked as security was tightened in districts bordering the national capital. The police were also monitoring social media platforms for posts that could incite people or students to participate in activities that might lead to a law-and-order situation.
Officials said content considered provocative or in violation of the law would be dealt with under applicable legal provisions. For passengers whose services may be affected, the Railways advised checking train status through helpline 139, the National Train Enquiry System app and official railway information channels before beginning their journeys.
