The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed entry and exit facilities at 11 stations in central Delhi until further notice as security has been tightened ahead of proposed gatherings at Jantar Mantar on October 2. The restrictions come on Gandhi Jayanti, when programmes are also scheduled at Rajghat and Vijay Ghat.
The affected stations include Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi. Interchange facilities, however, remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, INA and New Delhi.
The security measures follow calls by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), civil society activists and political leaders for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar over the functioning of the Election Commission and against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. AAP leaders have also called for participation in the gathering. Delhi Police has said that no permission has been granted for the proposed protest and that restrictions on gatherings remain in force in the New Delhi district.
Police have deployed additional personnel and erected barricades around key locations, with officials anticipating a sizeable turnout despite the denial of permission. The measures are intended to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gatherings while allowing essential public movement to continue.
11 Stations Affected
The DMRC’s decision affects some of the busiest stations in central Delhi, although trains continue to operate through the network. Passengers can use the Metro for interchange at Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, INA and New Delhi, but they cannot enter or exit the stations while the restriction remains in force.
The affected stations are Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi. The closures are particularly significant for commuters travelling towards Connaught Place, Parliament Street, Jantar Mantar and other parts of central Delhi.
The restrictions also coincide with Gandhi Jayanti programmes at Rajghat and Vijay Ghat. Traffic restrictions have been announced in parts of central Delhi, with commuters advised to plan their journeys in advance and follow directions from traffic personnel.
Service Update
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) October 2, 2026
The entry and exit at the following metro stations will remain closed till further notice. However, interchange facility will remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, INA, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations:
1. Janpath
2. Patel Chowk
3. Central…
Why Security Tightened
The immediate trigger for the heightened security is a proposed October 2 gathering at Jantar Mantar. AISA, along with civil society figures including advocate Prashant Bhushan and RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, has called for a demonstration concerning the functioning of the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Organisers have also raised demands concerning CEC Gyanesh Kumar. These are their allegations and political demands, rather than findings established by authorities.
Delhi Police has maintained that permission has not been granted for the proposed gathering. Police officials said security arrangements were strengthened because a large number of people could still attempt to assemble at the site. One report citing police sources put the expected turnout at around 3,000–4,000 people.
Police have also said restrictions prohibit gatherings of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, dharnas, sloganeering and speeches without prior written permission in the affected area. Officials have urged people to comply with the restrictions and follow instructions from security and traffic personnel.
The restrictions come against the backdrop of continuing political and civil-society criticism surrounding the Election Commission’s functioning and the SIR exercise. At the same time, the Election Commission and authorities remain responsible for administering electoral processes under the legal framework governing elections.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The events in Delhi highlight the difficult balance between maintaining public order and preserving space for peaceful democratic expression. Protests, disagreement and criticism are part of a functioning democracy, but public demonstrations also need to remain peaceful and comply with lawful restrictions so that commuters, residents and other citizens are not placed at unnecessary risk or inconvenience.
With Gandhi Jayanti being a day associated with non-violence and peaceful civic engagement, the focus should remain on dialogue rather than confrontation. Authorities have a responsibility to communicate restrictions clearly and proportionately, while organisers and participants have a responsibility to ensure that dissent remains peaceful and respectful. How can citizens, authorities and protest organisers work together to ensure that democratic disagreement remains both meaningful and peaceful?
