Mumbai-Delhi train delays and cancellations have disrupted travel plans ahead of a proposed protest in Delhi on October 10, with Western Railway rescheduling two Rajdhani services from Mumbai and cancelling several Delhi-bound trains. The changes were announced after the Railway Board cited anticipated severe road congestion around New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations.
Western Railway said the Mumbai Central-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, train number 12951, and the Mumbai Central-Hazrat Nizamuddin August Kranti Rajdhani Express, train number 12953, would depart five hours later than scheduled. The Bandra Terminus-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express, train number 12247, was cancelled.
The railway zone also announced cancellations of the Dr Ambedkar Nagar-New Delhi Express, train number 20155; the Indore-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express, train number 09309; the Indore-New Delhi Express, train number 12415; and the Sabarmati-New Delhi Express, train number 12957. The affected services connect Delhi with Mumbai, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and other parts of western and central India.
According to Western Railway, the changes followed a communication from the Railway Board regarding likely traffic congestion near New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations. The announcement did not indicate how long the cancellations would continue beyond the stated disruption linked to the October 10 arrangements.
The transport restrictions are linked to a proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, and several student organisations. The protesters are seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a freeze on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, restoration of the January 2025 voters’ list and changes to the process for appointing Election Commission officials.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations would remain closed from 9 pm on Friday until further notice because of security arrangements ahead of the demonstration. The restrictions are expected to continue on October 10. Interchange facilities will remain available at the affected stations, except at New Delhi Metro station, according to the DMRC announcement.
NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto accused the BJP-led government of preventing citizens from travelling to Delhi and participating in the protest. NCP (SP) leader Mahesh Tapase separately questioned the Metro restrictions and the deployment of more than 20,000 security personnel. These allegations were made in statements reported by PTI and were not independently established in the supplied report.
The railway and Metro measures mean that passengers using the affected routes may face longer journeys, cancellations and limited access around key transport hubs in Delhi. Western Railway’s announcement attributed the train changes to anticipated traffic congestion, while the DMRC cited security reasons for the station-gate restrictions.
