Delhi Police seeks entry and exit curbs at 57 Metro stations ahead of October 10 protest

The Delhi Police has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to consider restricting entry and exit at 57 Metro stations from Friday night, October 9, ahead of protests planned at Jantar Mantar and other locations in the New Delhi district the following day.

The proposed measures include closing station gates and reducing train frequency at the identified stations to prevent unruly crowds from moving towards sensitive locations. The restrictions could begin at 9 pm on October 9 and continue through October 10, until the situation in the national capital returns to normal.

In a letter dated October 8, the Joint Commissioner of Police, Transport Range, requested DMRC managing director Vikas Kumar to issue the necessary instructions to the corporation's officers and staff to implement the proposed measures.

Central Delhi stations among those identified

The list of 57 stations includes several key interchanges and stations serving central Delhi. These are Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Mandi House, ITO, Delhi Gate, Khan Market, Supreme Court and Indraprastha.

Other stations identified include INA, Hauz Khas, Lajpat Nagar, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, Jama Masjid, Vishwavidyalaya, Seelampur, Shahdara and Rohini West. INA station on both Metro lines has also been included in the proposed restrictions.

Restrictions could extend across north, south and east Delhi

The proposed curbs also cover Lok Kalyan Marg, Jor Bagh, Jangpura, Ashram, Jamia Millia Islamia, Okhla Vihar, Civil Lines, GTB Nagar, Adarsh Nagar, Jahangir Puri, Welcome, Yamuna Vihar and Rithala.

Taken together, the identified stations span central, south, north, east and north-east Delhi, indicating that the proposed security measures could affect Metro access across several parts of the capital.

CJP's 'Chalo Delhi' march planned for October 10

The proposed restrictions come ahead of a 'Chalo Delhi' march called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) for October 10. The protest is part of an ongoing campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of irregularities in the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The campaign has accused the election authorities of facilitating alleged voter manipulation, claims that have fuelled protests against the CEC. The planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar and other locations in the New Delhi district has prompted the police to consider additional measures to manage crowds and maintain public order.

The proposed Metro restrictions remain subject to implementation by the DMRC following the police request.