Delhi Metro shuts 18 stations on July 25 amid student protest tensions
New Delhi, July 24
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on Friday announced the closure of 18 metro stations from 7.30 a.m. on Saturday until further instructions, citing operational reasons.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of continuing student protests at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak controversy, which has drawn large crowds and triggered heightened security measures in the capital.
According to the DMRC, interchange facilities will remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat stations to ensure connectivity across the network.
The stations to remain closed are 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, Shivaji Stadium, Jhandewalan and New Delhi.
Train services on the Airport Express Line will only be available between Dhaula Kuan and Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25.
Officials said the decision was taken to regulate crowd movement and maintain law and order in sensitive areas, particularly around central Delhi where thousands of students, parents and activists have been staging demonstrations.
Jantar Mantar, located close to several of the affected stations, has become the epicentre of the agitation, with protesters demanding accountability and systemic reforms in the examination process.
The DMRC expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to commuters, urging passengers to plan their journeys accordingly.
Security agencies are expected to intensify deployment around closed stations and protest sites to prevent untoward incidents.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I understand the security concerns but this is extremely disruptive for daily commuters. Hope the authorities resolve the NEET issue quickly so normalcy returns. It's been days of chaos in central Delhi. 😔
DMRC should have planned alternative routes or shuttle services for affected areas. Simply shutting stations is lazy governance. Students are right to protest - NEET paper leak is a serious betrayal of trust. Arre yaar, common man doesn't deserve this.
Similar situation in US when protests happen - they shut down subway stations too. At least DMRC is keeping interchange stations open. But 18 stations is huge! Hope the government resolves the systemic issues in exam processes.
Jantar Mantar has become a permanent protest hub in Delhi. This NEET issue affects lakhs of students and their families. DMRC's decision is unfortunate but necessary for safety. Let's hope this ends with concrete reforms. 🙏
Classic case of administrative overreaction. Why close Rajiv Chowk and Mandi House completely? Those are major hubs. Could have just closed specific exits near protest areas. Students protesting for justice shouldn't be treated like criminals. 😕
Airport express line affected too? That's really bad for business travelers and tourists. DMRC needs
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