Delhi train cancellations disrupted travel from Lucknow and other parts of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, forcing passengers to switch to expensive flights, multi-leg road journeys or abandon their plans amid heightened security for a protest at Jantar Mantar. Several Delhi-bound services were cancelled after the Railways cited the possibility of severe road congestion around New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations.
Passengers who had booked tickets weeks in advance were compelled to make last-minute arrangements. Some opted for flights or taxis, while others cancelled their trips altogether. UPSRTC buses and other vehicles travelling towards Delhi were also subjected to checks as security was tightened in districts bordering the national capital.
According to a Railway Board circular cited in the report, trains that departed from their originating stations after 2 pm on October 9 and were scheduled to arrive at New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 were cancelled. The Railways attributed the decision to anticipated road congestion in the vicinity of the two stations.
The disruption affected passengers travelling for time-sensitive appointments and professional commitments. Rahul Mishra from Sitapur said he was travelling to Delhi for an admission-related appointment and was unsure whether he would reach on time after his train was cancelled. Sanjay Yadav of Rae Bareli said he had a supplier meeting in Delhi and might lose another day and have to postpone the deal.
Other passengers reported similar difficulties. Vibhu Kumar, who had an interview with a client at a private company in Delhi, said the company did not accept his request to postpone it to Monday. Rohit Mishra, a student from Lucknow, was also forced to reconsider his Delhi trip after his train was cancelled at short notice.
The cancellations added pressure to alternative transport options, with passengers facing higher airfares, long road journeys and multiple taxi changes. Security checks on vehicles travelling towards Delhi further complicated road travel from Uttar Pradesh. The report did not provide the number of cancelled services or details of any additional fare or refund arrangements.
Passengers were advised to verify their train status before starting their journeys through railway helpline 139, the National Train Enquiry System app and official railway information channels. 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.
