Metro curbs across Capital hit daily life
The closure of 17 Delhi Metro stations in and around the periphery of Lutyens’ zone left thousands of commuters, office-goers, students and others stranded, forcing many to change routes midway, exit at unfamiliar stations and scramble for alternative transport during the rush. With mobile signal jammers reportedly affecting digital transactions near the high-security zone, many ticket counters accepted only cash.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) closed 16 Delhi stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, ITO and Khan Market, citing security reasons. The operations were normalised in the evening and all stations of the Delhi Metro network were opened for passenger services.
For many, it was the second such disruption within a week, adding to frustration over repeated delays to their daily commute.
A similar shutdown happened on Monday but then it was limited to few stations in proximity to the Parliament.
Ritu, a commuter travelling through Central Secretariat, said protesters had gathered near the station premises, leading to confusion among passengers. “The Central Secretariat Metro station was taken over by protesters. Several of them had gathered near the exit and were chanting ‘Vande Mataram’. There was a lot of uncertainty and people did not know whether they would be able to leave the station,” she said.
Another passenger travelling on the Yellow Line said announcements inside the train informed commuters that they would not be allowed to deboard at stations between Delhi Gate and Khan Market. “We were not allowed to get down from Delhi Gate Metro to Khan Market Metro. People are getting stranded here without any prior notice. It is utter chaos,” he said.
Several commuters said they were late for work, college and other appointments as they struggled to find alternate routes after discovering their destination stations had been shut.
Many were seen checking navigation apps, calling family members and booking cabs outside operational stations, while long queues formed at bus stops and auto-rickshaw stands. “I had an important class this morning but I had to get off much before my destination and now I am trying to find another way to reach college,” said a student waiting outside an operational metro station.
