SC says Metro should run normally, 6 Delhi stations shut next day on ‘security grounds’ amid Congress march

New Delhi: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed entry and exit facilities at six metro stations from 6 am to 4 pm on Monday, October 12, amid heightened security arrangements for a Congress-led Opposition march towards the Supreme Court.

Interchange facilities will remain operational at all six stations, while the Delhi Traffic Police has warned of possible traffic disruptions and diversions across New Delhi and Central Delhi.

The affected stations are Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road. The restrictions will remain in force from 6 am to 4 pm on October 12, subject to a review by security agencies.

The DMRC clarified that interchange facilities would continue to operate at all six stations, allowing passengers to change metro lines where applicable, even while entry and exit remain restricted.

In a post on X, the DMRC said: "Due to security reasons, the entry and exit at the following metro stations will remain closed from 06:00 AM till 04:00 PM on 12th October, 2026. Further, the situation will be reviewed by the security agencies, and necessary updates will be shared accordingly. However, interchange facility will remain available at all the concerned metro stations."

The corporation said further updates would be issued depending on the security assessment and the prevailing situation.

List of six Delhi Metro stations affected

• Patel Chowk
• Janpath
• Rajiv Chowk
• Mandi House
• Central Secretariat
• Barakhamba Road

Passengers travelling through central Delhi have been advised to account for the restrictions and check official DMRC updates before starting their journeys.

Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory amid Opposition march

Alongside the metro restrictions, the Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory warning of possible traffic disruptions and diversions at multiple locations across New Delhi and Central Delhi.

According to the advisory, traffic diversions would begin at 6 am on Monday, depending on the prevailing situation. Vehicle movement could be affected at major intersections, flyovers, roads and surrounding stretches.

The traffic police stated: "In view of the law and order situation, traffic may be impacted on the following stretches in Delhi on 12.10.2026. Diversions will be enforced starting from 06:00 AM on 12.10.2026 depending upon the prevailing situation. The general public is informed that movement at the following points and surrounding stretches might remain affected."

Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance, allow additional travel time and follow traffic police instructions. The restrictions could affect both private vehicles and public transport users travelling through the central parts of the capital.

Why is the Opposition marching towards the Supreme Court?

The metro restrictions come amid a planned protest march by Congress and other Opposition leaders towards the Supreme Court over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Opposition leaders and MPs from several INDIA bloc parties are expected to participate in the march. They are protesting the electoral roll revision process and demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The protest forms part of the Opposition's continuing campaign against the SIR process. The parties have raised concerns about the revision of electoral rolls, while the planned march has prompted heightened security arrangements in the national capital.

The proposed demonstration is expected to affect movement around parts of central Delhi, prompting the DMRC to impose station access restrictions and the traffic police to prepare for possible diversions.

What commuters need to know

• Metro restrictions: Entry and exit closed at six stations from 6 am to 4 pm on October 12.
• Interchange facilities: Available at all six affected stations.
• Traffic diversions: May be enforced from 6 am, depending on the situation.
• Areas affected: New Delhi and Central Delhi, including roads and major intersections near the protest route.
• Security review: Agencies will assess the situation and issue further updates as required.

Passengers should check the latest announcements from the DMRC and Delhi Traffic Police before travelling through the affected areas.

How the protest is affecting Delhi's transport network

The restrictions reflect the security measures being implemented ahead of the planned Opposition march towards the Supreme Court. Closing station entry and exit facilities can help manage passenger movement around sensitive locations, while retaining interchange facilities allows some continuity in metro operations.

However, the measures may inconvenience commuters who rely on the six stations to access offices, commercial areas and other destinations in central Delhi. The possibility of road diversions could also increase travel times, particularly during the morning commute.

The duration of the restrictions is currently set until 4 pm, but the DMRC has said that security agencies will review the situation and issue updates if necessary. Commuters should therefore verify service information before travelling rather than assume that access will resume at the scheduled time.

The political dispute behind the march centres on the SIR electoral roll revision process and the Opposition's demand for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner. The allegations raised by the Opposition remain contested political claims; the transport restrictions are a separate administrative response to the anticipated protest and associated law-and-order concerns.