The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has temporarily closed 16 stations in central Delhi until further notice [1].
The closures disrupt transit for thousands of commuters in the heart of the city. Because these stations serve the high-traffic areas of Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place, the move signals a significant security escalation by city authorities.
According to the DMRC, entry and exit services at the 16 affected stations were suspended starting at 7:30 a.m. [3]. While most services at these sites are halted, the DMRC said that interchange facilities remain operational at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat stations [1]. This allows passengers to switch lines without leaving the secure perimeter of the stations.
Reports on the cause of the security buildup vary. Some sources said the closures are a response to protests involving the Chief Justice of India at Jantar Mantar [1]. Other reports said the closures are linked to ongoing demonstrations regarding a NEET-UG 2026 paper leak [2].
There is also conflicting information regarding the exact timeline of the closures. Some reports said the measures were announced on July 20 [4], while other sources reported the closures on July 22 [5].
The DMRC has not provided a specific timeline for when the stations will reopen. Commuters are advised to seek alternative routes to avoid the central Delhi corridor until the security situation stabilizes.
“The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has temporarily closed 16 stations in central Delhi until further notice.”
The suspension of 16 stations demonstrates the high sensitivity of Delhi's transit infrastructure to political unrest. By maintaining interchange services at major hubs like Rajiv Chowk, the DMRC is attempting to prevent a total collapse of the city's rail network while complying with security mandates to prevent protesters from using the metro to flood the Jantar Mantar area.
