Commuters heading toward the heart of the national capital faced major transit restrictions on Monday as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation suspended passenger entry and exit at six key stations in response to heightened security protocols. Commencing at 6 AM, the curbs cover Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Janpath, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, and Barakhamba Road, keeping their street gates shut until 4 PM. Even with street access barred, the transit network is permitting commuters to switch between different metro lines inside all six stations, preventing a total collapse of cross-city connectivity.
Stations Impacted by Transit Curbs
The precautionary shutdown covers transit hubs surrounding sensitive government corridors, major administrative headquarters, and commercial zones across Lutyens Delhi.
- Rajiv Chowk: The bustling interchange linking the Blue and Yellow lines underneath Connaught Place.
- Patel Chowk: A key access point along Parliament Street and central offices.
- Central Secretariat: The vital transfer hub connecting bureaucratic complexes via the Yellow and Violet lines.
- Janpath: A prominent station serving commercial markets and central avenues.
- Mandi House: The critical link between cultural venues and the Blue and Violet lines.
- Barakhamba Road: The primary stop servicing commercial high-rises and business centres.
Interchange Permitted as Commuters Advised to Replan
Transit authorities clarified that passenger movement between platforms remains unaffected, ensuring seamless transfer between connecting lines throughout the restriction window. Security personnel and intelligence agencies are periodically reviewing field conditions to decide future operational updates. In the meantime, the metro operator has urged passengers to check running status updates online and tailor their travel schedules before stepping out.
Opposition Demonstrations and Street Rallies
The extensive police arrangements coincide with scheduled street demonstrations by political groups across New Delhi. Leaders of the INDIA alliance have called for a public march focusing on SIR concerns alongside demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi announced the Chalo Delhi call and planned an evening march toward the Supreme Court, though reports indicate the CJI declined an appointment with the delegation. Simultaneously, Cockroach Janta Party functionaries are heading to Parliament Street police station to seek an alternative date for gathering at Jantar Mantar. The CJP had previously planned a demonstration on 10 October that was blocked by authorities, during which heavy police pickets were set up and party figures Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka were detained at Delhi Airport.
