Delhi witnessed major travel disruptions on Wednesday after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily closed 16 metro stations amid heightened security arrangements for the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar. The precautionary move comes as demonstrations entered another day, prompting authorities to strengthen security across central Delhi.
According to the DMRC, trains will not halt at the affected stations until further notice. However, commuters will still be able to use interchange facilities at major junctions such as Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, allowing passengers to switch metro lines without exiting the stations. The decision was taken in coordination with security agencies to prevent overcrowding and ensure public safety.
The closures are linked to the ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been demanding action over the alleged NEET paper leak and protesting against the police response to its earlier "Sansad Chalo" march. Heavy deployment of Delhi Police personnel has been reported around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and other sensitive areas, with barricades placed on several roads to regulate movement.
The affected metro stations include several of Delhi's busiest stops, causing inconvenience to thousands of office-goers and daily commuters during peak hours. Many passengers were forced to change their travel plans, rely on buses, taxis or auto-rickshaws, while traffic congestion increased on nearby roads due to the sudden spike in surface transport demand.
DMRC has advised commuters to check official service updates before beginning their journey and to use alternate routes wherever possible. Authorities have not announced when normal services will resume, saying the restrictions will remain in place until the security situation improves.
The metro closures have added to the political and public attention surrounding the protests, which have already disrupted parliamentary proceedings and sparked sharp exchanges between the government and the Opposition. As demonstrations continue, security agencies remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents while ensuring essential public transport services continue to operate with minimal disruption.
