MetroClosure – Delhi Metro Restores 16 Stations After Day-Long Security Shutdown

MetroClosure –Thousands of commuters across the national capital faced significant travel disruptions on Wednesday after multiple Delhi Metro stations remained closed for several hours due to security arrangements linked to a large public demonstration.

A total of 16 Delhi Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat and Mandi House, remained closed from Wednesday morning until the evening following security measures announced by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The restrictions coincided with an ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, where attendance increased noticeably compared to the previous day. According to the DMRC, all affected stations resumed normal operations at around 6:30 pm.

Security Measures Affect Key Metro Network

The stations that remained inaccessible to passengers included Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh and Shivaji Stadium. Later in the day, Jhandewalan Metro station was also added to the list of temporarily closed stations.

The DMRC stated through its official social media updates that the closures were implemented for security reasons and would remain in effect until further instructions. While passengers could not enter or exit the affected stations for most of the day, exit gates were reopened later in the evening as restrictions were gradually lifted.

Interchange Services Continued During Restrictions

Despite the station closures, interchange facilities remained operational at Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat and Mandi House. This allowed passengers to switch between Metro lines without exiting the station premises, helping maintain connectivity across parts of the network.

However, the limited availability of services did not prevent widespread inconvenience. Many commuters found themselves unable to disembark at their intended stations, forcing them to travel beyond their destinations before returning by alternative modes of transport.

Commuters Face Long Delays and Confusion

The temporary shutdown caused considerable disruption for office-goers, students and other daily passengers. For many, it marked the second major interruption to Metro travel within a week after a similar security-related closure earlier.

Passengers travelling on several Metro corridors reported that trains continued operating but skipped the stations that had been closed. As a result, many had to revise their travel plans with little prior notice.

One commuter travelling through Central Secretariat said protesters had gathered near the station area, creating confusion among passengers about whether they would be able to leave safely. According to her account, a large crowd assembled near the exits while raising slogans, leading to uncertainty inside the station premises.

Another passenger travelling on the Yellow Line said announcements inside the train informed travellers that they would not be allowed to get off at stations between Delhi Gate and Khan Market. He said the lack of advance information left many passengers stranded and searching for alternate routes after crossing their intended stops.

Political Reactions Over Metro Closures

The station closures also triggered political reactions. Opposition leaders criticised the BJP-led government, arguing that authorities should have focused on engaging with the protesting students instead of restricting access to key Metro stations across central Delhi.

The protest at Jantar Mantar drew larger crowds on Wednesday, prompting enhanced security arrangements in the surrounding areas. Authorities implemented the restrictions as a precautionary measure to manage movement near the demonstration site and maintain public order.

By late evening, Metro services at all affected stations resumed, bringing relief to thousands of commuters after nearly eight hours of disruption. The DMRC advised passengers to continue checking official service updates for any operational changes related to security arrangements.