Delhi Police Proposes Metro Gate Closures at 57 Stations
Delhi Police proposes closing entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations and reducing train frequency ahead of the October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar.
In anticipation of massive protests scheduled for Saturday, October 10, the Delhi Police has proposed significant disruptions to the capital's lifeline. An official communication reveals plans to close entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations and reduce train frequency to manage potential crowd surges.
Security Measures Ahead of Jantar Mantar Protest
The Joint Commissioner of Police (Transport Range) issued a formal request to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to implement these precautionary measures. The move comes in response to a youth-led protest planned at Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations within the New Delhi district. The police cited concerns regarding the likelihood of unruly crowd movements heading toward high-security zones.
According to the proposal, these restrictions are slated to begin at 9 pm on Friday and will remain in effect throughout October 10, or until the situation is deemed stable by authorities.
Key Metro Stations Impacted
The list of 57 identified stations includes some of the busiest hubs in the network. While the full list is extensive, major stations mentioned in the communication include:
- Rajiv Chowk
- Central Secretariat
- Patel Chowk
- New Delhi
- Kashmere Gate
- Mandi House
- ITO
- Supreme Court
- Indraprastha
- Hauz Khas
- Lajpat Nagar
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- Rohini East and Rohini West
- Rithala
Note: The police have proposed these measures; however, the communication does not confirm whether the DMRC has officially approved or implemented all the closures yet.
Protest Organizers Vow to Continue March
The planned demonstration, centered around allegations of "vote theft," has already seen friction between authorities and organizers. Activist Abhijeet Dipke claimed that several individuals have been detained across the country in an attempt to stifle the movement.
Taking to social media, Dipke expressed defiance against the government's actions, stating that the intimidation would not stop the march. He confirmed his intention to arrive in the capital and proceed to Jantar Mantar regardless of the security crackdown.