The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Wednesday temporarily closed 16 metro stations across central Delhi until further notice, citing security concerns as the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest entered its third day at Jantar Mantar.
The decision follows Monday’s “Sansad Chalo” march, during which clashes broke out between protesters and Delhi Police near Parliament, leading to multiple FIRs, injuries and heightened security in the national capital.
While trains continue to operate on the affected routes, they will not stop at the closed stations, although interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.
The CJP has said it will continue its indefinite protest until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over the handling of the NEET examination controversy, while Delhi Police has defended its action, alleging that several personnel were injured during the clashes.
Meanwhile, Opposition MPs have extended support to the protesters, demanding accountability over the NEET row and criticising the police crackdown, adding a political dimension to the ongoing agitation.
Metro Curbs Amid Protest
The DMRC announced the closure of 16 stations including Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, ITO, Supreme Court and Khan Market through a service update on X, stating that the move was taken “till further instructions” due to security reasons.
The corporation clarified that trains would continue to run on the respective corridors without halting at the affected stations and that commuters could still use interchange facilities at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.
The closures have significantly affected travel through some of Delhi’s busiest commercial and administrative districts, with thousands of office-goers and visitors forced to alter their routes. Authorities have advised commuters to rely on official DMRC updates before travelling.
The restrictions come as security personnel remain heavily deployed around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and other parts of central Delhi to prevent further escalation. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka reiterated the group’s stand, saying, “We will not leave Jantar Mantar until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.”
Delhi Police, on the other hand, has maintained that Monday’s march turned violent after protesters allegedly attempted to breach security barricades, resulting in injuries to police personnel and damage to public property. Multiple FIRs have since been registered in connection with the violence, while the CJP has accused the police of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
From NEET Row to Political Flashpoint
The ongoing demonstrations stem from widespread anger over the NEET examination controversy, which triggered protests after allegations of irregularities and a question paper leak led to the cancellation and subsequent re-examination of the country’s largest medical entrance test.
What initially began as student-led protests demanding transparency and accountability has evolved into a broader movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has called for systemic reforms in public examinations and greater accountability from senior government officials.
Monday’s “Sansad Chalo” march marked a turning point, as clashes between protesters and police near Parliament intensified the standoff. Since then, security across central Delhi has been tightened considerably, with restrictions imposed around key government buildings and public transport hubs.
The issue has also entered Parliament, where Opposition leaders, including members of the INDIA bloc, staged protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and condemning the police action against students.
The government has yet to indicate any change in its position, while the DMRC has said that the metro station closures will remain in place until security agencies advise otherwise. As the sit-in at Jantar Mantar continues, there is no immediate sign of the standoff easing, raising the possibility of prolonged disruptions for commuters and further political confrontation during the ongoing Parliament session.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Public demonstrations are a fundamental part of a healthy democracy, allowing citizens particularly young people to voice concerns on issues that directly affect their futures. Equally, authorities have a responsibility to maintain public order and ensure the safety of both protesters and the wider public. When protests lead to transport disruptions, legal action and allegations of excessive force, it becomes even more important for all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue, restraint and transparency over confrontation.
Students seeking accountability deserve to have their concerns heard through democratic processes, while law enforcement must ensure that responses remain proportionate and respectful of constitutional rights. At the same time, commuters caught in the middle of prolonged disruptions also deserve timely communication and practical alternatives.
