Delhi Metro reopens all 12 stations shut during Jantar Mantar protests

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) reopened entry and exit gates at all 12 stations that had been temporarily closed on Friday amid protests in and around Jantar Mantar, restoring normal passenger movement across the network later in the day.

The restrictions had affected Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Barakhamba, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi stations. The closures were imposed as security was tightened in central Delhi following protest calls by political, student and youth organisations.

All gates reopened

“The entry and exit gates of all Metro Stations of the Delhi Metro network are now open. The interchange facility at New Delhi Metro station is also available,” the DMRC said while announcing the restoration of normal services.

During the restrictions, interchange facilities remained available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat, allowing passengers to change Metro lines even though they could not enter or exit through the affected stations.

The temporary closures affected several important stations serving central Delhi and major interchange points. Authorities had stepped up security around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas after Delhi Police said permission had not been granted for the planned demonstration.

Protests over SIR

The protests were called by groups including the Aam Aadmi Party, All India Students’ Association, National Students’ Union of India and Indian Youth Congress. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and alleged deletion of voters’ names.

The allegations concerning electoral-roll manipulation remain claims made by protesters and Opposition groups. The demonstrations formed part of a wider political confrontation over the SIR process and the functioning of the Election Commission.

Protesters detained

Hundreds of protesters were detained as different groups attempted to reach Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas despite the restrictions. Those detained included political leaders and members of student and youth organisations, according to reports from the protest sites.

Security personnel had erected barricades and restricted movement at several locations around central Delhi to prevent unauthorised gatherings. The Metro closures were introduced as part of those wider security arrangements rather than because of any disruption to train operations themselves.

With the restrictions lifted later on Friday, passengers were again allowed to enter and exit through all stations, bringing Metro operations back to normal after several hours of disruption.