New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has reduced the number of metro stations facing entry and exit restrictions ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest on Saturday, October 10. Following the Supreme Court’s intervention, the number of affected stations has been cut from 57 to 45.
The Supreme Court asked the Centre and Delhi Police to reconsider blanket restrictions on metro and railway services, stressing that security arrangements should not bring public transport to a complete halt or cause unnecessary inconvenience to residents.
In an update posted on X, the DMRC said entry and exit at 45 metro stations would remain closed from 9 pm on October 9 until 6 pm on October 10 for security reasons. The corporation described the announcement as a partial revision of its earlier order.
The DMRC added that security agencies would assess the situation and provide further updates if necessary. Interchange facilities will remain operational at the affected stations, except at New Delhi Metro station.
Supreme Court Questions Restrictions on Metro Services
On Friday, the DMRC had initially announced entry and exit restrictions at 57 stations ahead of the planned protest. The Supreme Court subsequently questioned the extent of these measures, stating that security concerns should not result in a complete shutdown of public transport.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said authorities could regulate train operations to prevent unlawful gatherings but should not stop the entire metro system.
The bench observed that regulating services and stopping them completely were two different things. It also remarked, “You will not use a hammer to kill a fly,” emphasising that security measures should be proportionate to the circumstances.
The court highlighted the need to protect Delhi residents’ access to public facilities and their ability to move freely while arrangements were made for the demonstration.
Railway Cancellations Affect New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin
The Supreme Court was also informed that railway services had been affected by restrictions introduced ahead of the protest.
Indian Railways cancelled mail and express trains scheduled to arrive at or depart from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10. The decision was attributed to expectations of severe road congestion around the stations.
The cancellations included long-distance services such as the Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and the Sealdah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express.
The court’s intervention came amid concerns about the impact of transport restrictions on daily commuters and other residents.
What Commuters Should Know
Under the revised DMRC order, entry and exit restrictions will apply at 45 metro stations during the specified period, instead of the 57 stations included in the original announcement. Interchange facilities will remain available at the affected stations, except at New Delhi Metro station.
Passengers travelling on October 10 should check the latest DMRC announcements and railway updates before beginning their journeys, as authorities may issue further instructions depending on the security situation.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the details provided about the announced transport restrictions. Metro operations, station access and railway schedules may change in response to security requirements. Commuters should verify the latest information through official DMRC and Indian Railways announcements before travelling.