New Delhi: Morning rush hour turned into a frustrating ordeal for thousands of Delhi Metro commuters on Wednesday after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily shut 16 metro stations due to heightened security around the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar. Long queues, packed platforms and last minute changes to travel plans left office goers and students scrambling for alternative routes.
The temporary closures were ordered as Delhi Police tightened security in and around central Delhi, where the CJP has been holding demonstrations for the past three days. While metro trains continued to run on the affected lines, they skipped the closed stations, forcing passengers to either get off at nearby stops or rely on buses, cabs and auto rickshaws to complete their journeys.
The impact was felt across several parts of the city, especially during peak office hours. Outside many operational metro stations, commuters were seen waiting in long lines, while roads leading to central Delhi witnessed heavy traffic as more people switched to private vehicles and app based taxis.
Officials said the restrictions were put in place purely as a precautionary measure to prevent overcrowding and ensure public safety near sensitive government buildings and protest sites. Security personnel were deployed in large numbers around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and adjoining areas, with barricades and traffic diversions slowing vehicle movement throughout the day.
The ongoing protest, led by the Cockroach Janata Party, has drawn attention over its demands related to alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and broader reforms in the country’s education system. Protesters have also called for greater accountability from the government and have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.
Despite the station closures, the DMRC kept interchange facilities operational at major junctions such as Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, allowing passengers to continue their journeys with some inconvenience. The metro operator also urged commuters to check official service updates before travelling, warning that restrictions could change depending on the security situation.
The protest has seen tense moments over the past few days, with heavy police deployment and several preventive measures introduced to maintain law and order. Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel through central Delhi and to follow traffic advisories until normal movement is restored.
As of Wednesday evening, neither the Delhi Metro nor the Delhi Police had announced when all 16 stations would reopen. With the protest showing no signs of ending immediately, commuters are likely to continue facing disruptions until security restrictions are lifted.
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