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 protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, a move that could disrupt travel across several parts of the capital.
The proposed restrictions are based on a letter dated October 8, 2026, 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 issue instructions to relevant officers and staff and take measures intended to prevent large crowds from moving towards sensitive locations and to maintain law and order.
The stations identified by the police are spread across northern, southern, eastern, western and central Delhi. The geographical spread indicates that authorities are preparing for possible crowd movement from multiple parts of the city rather than limiting security arrangements to the area around Jantar Mantar.
Delhi’s metro network has around 227 stations. The 57 stations on the police list include major interchanges and stations located near government offices, railway links, commercial districts and residential areas. Among them are Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, Kashmere Gate, Hauz Khas, INA, Lajpat Nagar, Sarai Kale Khan–Nizamuddin, Jamia Millia Islamia, Vishwavidyalaya, Azadpur, Shahdara and Rohini West.
According to senior police officials quoted in the report, authorities are concerned that protesters could arrive from different parts of Delhi, assemble near station entrances and then move towards Jantar Mantar or other sensitive locations. Officials also expressed concern that people might reach stations early, sit outside the gates and use them as meeting points before proceeding to the protest.
The proposed gate closures could affect passengers using the listed stations to enter or leave the metro network. However, the police letter specifically requests the closure of station entry and exit gates and does not explicitly state that train services at all 57 stations will be suspended. Depending on DMRC’s operational instructions, trains could continue to pass through a station even when passengers are unable to enter or exit there.
The final operational arrangements, including any additional service restrictions, are expected to be communicated by DMRC. Police officials have advised commuters travelling late on October 9 or on October 10 to check official DMRC announcements, allow additional time and consider alternative routes. Passengers travelling to government offices, railway stations, hospitals or other essential destinations have also been advised to verify their routes in advance.
The restrictions are to remain in place on October 10 until the situation normalises, according to the police request. The timing for reopening the affected station gates will depend on the security assessment and further instructions to the metro operator.
