CJP protest: Delhi Police seeks gate closures at 57 metro stations, reduced train frequency

New Delhi: Delhi Police has proposed closing entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations across the national capital and reducing train frequency at the identified stations ahead of the CJP's planned protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10.

In a communication to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the Joint Commissioner of Police, Transport Range, requested precautionary measures at the stations, citing the possibility of unruly crowd movement towards sensitive locations in New Delhi district.

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The letter, dated Thursday, asks the DMRC to issue necessary instructions to its officers and staff to implement the proposed restrictions. The measures are scheduled to begin at 9 pm on Friday and continue through October 10 until the situation normalises.

The proposed arrangements are linked to the youth-led demonstration announced by the CJP at Jantar Mantar over alleged "vote theft".

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The communication lists 57 metro stations for the proposed restrictions. They include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Janpath, New Delhi, Mandi House, ITO, Supreme Court, Indraprastha, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, INA, Hauz Khas, Lajpat Nagar, Jamia Millia Islamia, Seelampur, Welcome, Shahdara, Rithala, Rohini East and Rohini West, among others.

The police communication seeks precautionary arrangements in anticipation of the protest. However, it records a request from Delhi Police and does not, by itself, establish that the DMRC has approved or implemented the proposed closures.

Metro stations: What commuters need to know

If implemented, the proposed measures would affect access to 57 metro stations and could also involve reduced train frequency. The restrictions are scheduled to start at 9 pm on Friday, October 9, and remain in place on Saturday until the situation normalises.

Commuters should check official DMRC advisories for confirmation of any station-gate closures, changes in train frequency and other service restrictions before travelling.

Train cancellations ahead of Delhi protest

Several trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday, October 10, have been cancelled as a precautionary measure amid expectations of severe road congestion in the national capital. According to a Railway order, Mail and Express trains departing their originating stations after 2 pm on Friday, October 9, have also been cancelled. The Railways cited anticipated traffic congestion as the reason for the cancellations, but has not confirmed any direct link to the CJP protest. Passengers are advised to check the latest updates through official railway channels before travelling.

CJP activist alleges detention of protesters

Meanwhile, CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke alleged that several activists had been detained across the country ahead of the October 10 demonstration. He said the detentions would not stop him from joining the protest in the national capital.

"Thousands of youngsters have been detained across country by the BJP Govt ahead of our October 10 protest. This intimidation is not going to work, Modi. The youth of this country are no longer scared of you. I’ll be landing in Delhi tomorrow and will march to Jantar Mantar, come what may," he posted on X.

The protest has been announced over allegations of "vote theft".