Delhi protest restrictions will affect parts of the capital’s transport network and retail liquor trade on October 10, with several Mail and Express trains cancelled, possible access closures at 57 Metro stations and heightened police deployment ahead of planned demonstrations.
The protests have been called by the Cockroach Janta Party, Left groups and student outfits of the Aam Aadmi Party over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Demonstrators are also seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police have warned that gatherings violating restrictions in force across the national capital will be treated as illegal.
All retail liquor outlets in Delhi will remain closed on October 9 and 10 under an order issued by the excise department on October 8. The restriction covers outlets selling Indian liquor, foreign liquor and country liquor under specified licence categories, including certain shops in malls. An excise department official clarified that licensed restaurants, bars and clubs can continue serving liquor as usual.
Railway operations will also be affected. An order issued on October 9 said several Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4am and 2pm on October 10 would be cancelled at their originating stations. The cancellations apply to trains departing after 2pm on October 9 and scheduled to reach either station during the specified window.
Railway officials cited the possibility of severe road traffic congestion around the two stations. They have not confirmed whether the cancellations were directly caused by the planned protests, making the operational impact on individual routes dependent on the railway order and passenger-specific travel plans.
Delhi Police have asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to close entry and exit gates at 57 stations from 9pm on October 9 and keep the restrictions in place on October 10 until the situation normalises. Train frequency at these stations may also be reduced. Passengers have been advised to check DMRC updates before travelling, as the affected stations and operating arrangements may change according to the security situation.
The restrictions come alongside increased police outreach across the city. Police teams have contacted market welfare associations, resident welfare associations and Aman committees in several areas, asking them to counsel residents against activities that could disturb public order. Officers have also been checking hotels for last-minute bookings and monitoring railway stations and other transit points.
Section 163 is in force in the national capital, according to the police warning. Officers have approached groups gathered at transit locations to ask about their plans, while security arrangements have been strengthened around proposed protest sites including Jantar Mantar.
No blanket closure of other regular public services or commercial establishments has been announced in the information available. Residents have been advised to check specific police, railway and Metro advisories before travelling or making plans on October 10.
