NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily closed 16 Metro stations across the national capital on Wednesday as security measures were intensified around Jantar Mantar, where protests linked to the NEET-UG examination controversy continued. The move came amid heightened police deployment and restrictions in central Delhi to prevent any disruption during the ongoing demonstrations.
Metro Services Affected Across Key Routes
According to the DMRC, trains continued operating on their respective lines but did not halt at the affected stations. Interchange facilities remained available at major junctions, allowing passengers to switch lines without exiting the stations.
Several of the busiest Metro stations in Delhi, including Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk and Central Secretariat, were among those closed. Other stations located near Parliament, government offices and Jantar Mantar also remained inaccessible to commuters as authorities sought to manage crowd movement.
The closures caused significant inconvenience to office-goers, students and daily commuters, many of whom had to depend on buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws to complete their journeys.
Protest Continues Over NEET-UG Issues
The Metro restrictions coincided with the continuation of protests demanding greater accountability and reforms in the conduct of the NEET-UG examination. Students and activists have been gathering at Jantar Mantar, raising concerns over alleged examination irregularities and seeking stronger measures to ensure transparency in future competitive exams.
The demonstrations have attracted participants from different parts of the country, with organisers calling for educational reforms and action against those responsible for alleged lapses in the examination process.
Authorities have maintained a heavy police presence in the area to ensure law and order while preventing protesters from moving towards high-security government zones.
Security Measures Intensified in Central Delhi
Police erected barricades and increased surveillance across central Delhi as a precautionary measure. Restrictions were enforced near Parliament, government buildings and other sensitive locations.
Officials said the Metro station closures were purely a security-related decision aimed at avoiding overcrowding and ensuring public safety during the protests.
Commuters travelling through Connaught Place, India Gate and nearby areas experienced delays due to traffic diversions and increased security checks. Public transport services outside the Metro network witnessed a sharp rise in passenger numbers throughout the day.
Commuters Face Travel Disruptions
The sudden closure of multiple Metro stations left thousands of passengers searching for alternate routes. Many commuters reported longer travel times as they were forced to walk to nearby operational stations or use road transport.
Auto-rickshaw and taxi demand increased considerably around central Delhi, while bus stops witnessed unusually heavy crowds during the morning rush hours.
Several passengers expressed frustration over the disruption, although authorities advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to central Delhi until the security situation normalises.
Metro officials also issued regular updates through official communication channels, requesting commuters to check station status before beginning their journeys.
Metro Operations Continue With Restrictions
Despite the station closures, the DMRC clarified that Metro trains continued running across all affected corridors. The restriction applied only to boarding and deboarding at the closed stations, while train movement remained uninterrupted.
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Interchange facilities at major stations such as Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat continued functioning, allowing passengers to transfer between different Metro lines without exiting the stations.
Officials indicated that the restrictions would remain in place until further notice depending on the security assessment by law enforcement agencies.
Authorities Monitor Situation Closely
Delhi Police and other security agencies continue to monitor developments around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas. Security personnel remain deployed at strategic locations to prevent any untoward incidents while facilitating essential movement across the city.
Authorities have appealed to residents to cooperate with security arrangements and follow official advisories regarding traffic and public transport. Commuters have also been advised to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative routes until normal Metro services resume.
The situation remains under close watch as protests continue, with further decisions regarding Metro operations expected to depend on the evolving law and order situation in the national capital.
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