16 Delhi Metro Stations Closed Amid Protests; Key Interchanges Remain Open

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Thursday closed 16 metro stations as a precautionary measure due to ongoing protests by demonstrators demanding the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The stations include major hubs such as Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Delhi Gate, and Central Secretariat.

In an official statement, the DMRC confirmed the closures but assured that interchange facilities would remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat for commuters switching lines. The other stations on the list have been completely shut for entry and exit.

The full list of closed stations is as follows:

1. Lok Kalyan Marg
2. Rajiv Chowk
3. Patel Chowk
4. Ramakrishna Ashram Marg
5. Barakhambha 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

The closures, which come into effect from the start of service on Thursday, are aimed at preventing disruption and ensuring public safety around protest sites. Protesters have gathered at various locations in central Delhi, including Jantar Mantar, to press their demands.

Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance, avoid the affected stations, and use alternative routes or modes of transport. The DMRC has not indicated how long the closures will remain in place, stating that they will be reviewed based on the ground situation.

The decision to shut these stations follows a pattern of temporary closures during previous protests, highlighting the challenges faced by authorities in balancing public safety with the right to peaceful assembly. The Delhi Police are also deployed in large numbers to manage the situation.