New Delhi: 11 metro stations closed as security tightens on Gandhi Jayanti

Full report

Entry and exit gates were shut on the morning of October 2 at 11 central Delhi Metro stations amid tightened security for a protest call near Jantar Mantar. The closed stations are Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi. Interchange remained available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and New Delhi, so trains kept connecting lines at those hubs, though platforms grew crowded as passengers rerouted.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said the restrictions apply “till further notice” and had not given a reopening time. Delhi Police said permission for the proposed protest had not been granted. The demonstration is linked to demands concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The closures overlapped with heavy ceremonial security: October 2 is Gandhi Jayanti, and Delhi Traffic Police imposed curbs from 5 am to 11 am around Rajghat and Vijay Ghat for programmes marking the day and the 122nd birth anniversary of former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, with dignitaries and members of the public expected in large numbers. Roads around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Tolstoy Marg and Connaught Place also faced diversions and barricades.