Delhi Shuts 16 Metro Stations Amid Protests, Commuters Face Major Disruptions

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has temporarily closed 16 key metro stations across the Indian capital amid ongoing protests and concerns over a deteriorating law and order situation. The move has caused significant inconvenience for office workers, students, and thousands of daily commuters.

The stations affected are Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, and Shivaji Stadium.

The decision comes after tensions escalated earlier this week following a Parliament march and subsequent demonstrations by opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Samajwadi Party.

The situation has been further intensified by protests from farmers in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh against the proposed India–United States agreement, as well as demonstrations demanding the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir in areas bordering Delhi.

According to preliminary reports, authorities ordered the temporary closure of the metro stations to prevent protesters from entering central Delhi, curb their movement, and stop demonstrations from spreading across the capital.

The administration has also deployed additional police and paramilitary personnel at key government buildings, administrative zones, and other sensitive locations. Officials said further measures could be introduced depending on how the security situation develops.

DMRC said passengers will not be allowed to enter or exit the closed stations. However, metro trains will continue operating on the affected routes and will skip the closed stations without stopping.

Authorities have advised commuters to avoid non-essential travel and check the latest service updates before starting their journeys. Officials said the closed stations will be reopened in phases once the security situation improves.