The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation revised its closure list down from 57 to 45 stations following a sharp reprimand from the Supreme Court regarding blanket travel restrictions implemented ahead of a political demonstration in the capital. The top court directed the Centre and Delhi Police to lift sweeping limitations on metro and railway operations ahead of the planned protest at Jantar Mantar.
Under the updated schedule, entry and exit points at the 45 designated stations will remain closed from 9 pm on October 9 until 6 pm on October 10 for security reasons. This adjustment represents a partial modification of an earlier directive issued by the transit authority. Affected locations include prominent hubs such as Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, and New Delhi, among others.
Security agencies will continue to monitor conditions and provide further updates as necessary. While entry and exit will be restricted at these stations, interchange facilities will remain operational at all affected sites with the exception of the New Delhi Metro station.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, criticized the sweeping nature of the closures, noting that security measures cannot amount to a complete prohibition on public transport that disrupts millions of ordinary commuters. The judges stated that authorities possess the power to regulate movement to prevent unlawful gatherings, but cautioned that bringing the entire transit network to a halt is unacceptable. Comparing the heavy-handed response to using disproportionate force, the bench stressed that residents' rights to freedom of movement and public access must be safeguarded.
In addition to the metro disruptions, railway services also faced modifications ahead of the demonstration. Indian Railways cancelled several mail and express trains scheduled to arrive at or depart from the New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway terminals between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 due to anticipated road congestion. These cancellations impacted various long-distance connections, including major Rajdhani Express services operating between the capital and eastern hubs.