Commuter Chaos: DMRC Shuts 16 Key Metro Stations Amid Escalating CJP NEET Protests
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has issued a travel advisory announcing the temporary closure of 16 metro stations across Central Delhi from 07:30 AM until further notice. Citing security protocols enforced by Delhi Police, the decision comes as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student organisations intensify demonstrations near Parliament and Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG examination leak controversy.
DMRC Travel Advisory: Affected Line & Station Summary Closed Stations : 1. Lok Kalyan Marg 2. Rajiv Chowk 3. Patel Chowk (Entry/Exit Suspended): 4. R.K. Ashram Marg 5. Barakhamba Road 6. Supreme Court 7. Seva Teerth 8. Janpath 9. Mandi House 10. Central Secretariat 11. ITO 12. Delhi Gate 13. Indraprastha 14. Khan Market 15. Jor Bagh 16. Shivaji Stadium Operational Nodes : Interchange facilities remain active ONLY at: - Rajiv Chowk (Yellow/Blue Line) - Mandi House (Blue/Violet Line) - Central Secretariat (Yellow/Violet Line)
Key Highlights for Commuters
Restricted Passenger Entry & Exit: Gates at all 16 designated stations will remain closed to prevent large crowds from converging on Lutyens' Delhi.
Interchange Availability: Trains will continue operating, and passengers can switch lines at major junction hubs (Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat), though deboarding onto street level is prohibited.
Traffic Diversions: Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remains enforced in the New Delhi district, leading to heavy vehicular checkpoints and road blockades around Rafi Marg, Janpath, and Connaught Place.
Backstory: NEET Paper Leak Demonstrations Reach Capital
The metro shutdown aligns with heightened security measures on the fourth day of Parliament's Monsoon Session. Thousands of students, youth activists, and political supporters have gathered in the national capital following a call by the CJP and activist Sonam Wangchuk—who launched a hunger strike—demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national competitive exams.
With parliamentary proceedings facing continuous adjournments over the issue, transit authorities urge office-goers and daily commuters to utilise surface public transport or check official DMRC updates before travelling into Central Delhi.
