The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Friday expanded security-related restrictions across central Delhi by closing New Delhi Metro station, taking the total number of affected stations from 17 to 18.
The station has also suspended its interchange facility until further instructions, making it one of the most significant disruptions announced so far as it connects the Yellow Line, the Airport Express Line and New Delhi Railway Station.
According to the DMRC, the closures have been ordered due to “security reasons” amid heightened policing during the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests over alleged examination paper leaks and demands for reforms in India’s recruitment and examination systems.
Authorities said the restrictions are precautionary measures to ensure public safety and manage crowd movement around key government areas. While commuters have expressed frustration over disrupted travel and longer routes, the DMRC has urged passengers to monitor official updates, stating that services at the affected stations will resume only after fresh directions from security agencies.
Security Curbs Disrupt Commuters
The latest advisory marks a further tightening of restrictions after the DMRC had earlier announced that 17 metro stations would remain closed for entry and exit from 7.30 am on Friday. Hours later, New Delhi Metro station was added to the list, resulting in the suspension of interchange facilities there as well.
The move has had a significant impact on thousands of daily commuters, particularly railway passengers, airport travellers and office-goers who rely on the station’s seamless connectivity between the Yellow Line and the Airport Express Line.
The 18 affected stations are New Delhi, 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 and Jhandewalan. Earlier in the day, interchange facilities at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat remained operational despite the closures.
However, the subsequent closure of New Delhi station also suspended interchange operations there, creating additional inconvenience for passengers travelling between the city centre, the airport and the railway station. In its advisory, the DMRC stated that the restrictions had been imposed due to “security reasons” and requested commuters to plan their journeys accordingly.
“The affected stations will remain closed until further instructions,” the corporation said, adding that normal operations would resume only after receiving clearance from the concerned security agencies. The metro operator has also encouraged passengers to check its official social media handles and travel advisories before commencing their journeys.
The restrictions come alongside extensive security arrangements across central Delhi. Police personnel have been deployed in large numbers around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and adjoining administrative zones, with barricades placed at several entry points to regulate movement. Officials have described the metro closures as preventive measures intended to minimise overcrowding, maintain public order and facilitate security operations during the ongoing demonstrations.
The affected stations are:
- New Delhi
- 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
Protest Escalation Brings Transport Restrictions
Friday’s announcement marks the fourth consecutive day of metro-related restrictions in parts of the national capital as authorities respond to the continuing CJP-led protests. Over the past several days, central Delhi has witnessed intensified security arrangements, with road diversions, barricades and restrictions around several government buildings following growing participation in demonstrations.
The protests began as a movement led by students and youth organisations alleging irregularities and paper leaks in competitive examinations, including NEET-UG, before expanding into a broader campaign seeking accountability, transparency and structural reforms in India’s examination and recruitment systems. Protest organisers have also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that recurring examination controversies have undermined public confidence in recruitment processes.
According to officials, the restrictions are aimed at balancing the constitutional right to peaceful protest with the need to ensure public safety and uninterrupted functioning of essential government institutions. Security agencies have stated that limiting access to key metro stations is intended to regulate crowd movement around sensitive administrative and judicial zones, particularly during periods of large public gatherings.
The repeated closures, however, have affected thousands of commuters. Office workers, students, litigants, tourists, railway passengers and airport travellers have reported delays and longer travel times due to the unavailability of several strategically located metro stations. Social media platforms, including X and Reddit, were flooded with posts from commuters sharing alternative travel routes, traffic updates and information on police checkpoints. While these posts reflected widespread commuter experiences, many remained anecdotal and could not be independently verified.
Despite recent meetings between CJP representatives and senior Union ministers, protest leaders have indicated that demonstrations will continue until their principal demands are addressed. Meanwhile, the Union government has announced measures such as stricter anti-paper leak legislation, fast-track judicial mechanisms and institutional reforms to strengthen examination security. Protest organisers, however, maintain that broader systemic changes remain necessary to restore public trust.
With central Delhi continuing to witness heightened security, officials have advised residents and visitors to rely on verified information issued by the DMRC and Delhi Police instead of unverified claims circulating online.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Large-scale protests and heightened security arrangements often create unavoidable disruption for ordinary citizens. While governments have a responsibility to maintain public safety and protect sensitive institutions, transparent communication and proportionate measures are equally important to minimise inconvenience for commuters who depend on public transport for their daily lives.
The continuing protests also underline a larger issue that extends beyond transport restrictions. Concerns over the integrity of competitive examinations have deeply affected students and families across the country, making trust, accountability and institutional transparency essential for restoring confidence in public systems. Equally, peaceful democratic expression remains a vital part of any healthy society, provided it is exercised responsibly and without compromising public safety.
Also read: Abhijeet Dipke Reiterates Call for Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation, Says ‘He Must Resign’
