16 Delhi Metro Stations Closed Amid Security Measures as Protest in Central Delhi Continues

Yugcharan News | 22 July 2026

Commuters in the national capital faced significant travel disruptions on Wednesday after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced the temporary closure of 16 metro stations citing security concerns. The decision comes amid heightened security arrangements in central Delhi, where protests linked to the ongoing examination controversy have continued for the third consecutive day.

The restrictions were introduced as thousands of demonstrators remained gathered near Jantar Mantar, demanding action over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process. Authorities have tightened security across several parts of central Delhi to maintain law and order, resulting in temporary changes to public transportation services.

According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, metro services will continue to operate across the network, but passengers will not be able to enter or exit the affected stations until further notice. Officials stated that the measure has been taken purely as a precaution in view of the prevailing security situation.

Sixteen Metro Stations Temporarily Closed

The stations that have been shut for passenger movement include:

• Lok Kalyan Marg
• Rajiv Chowk
• Patel Chowk
• Ramakrishna Ashram Marg
• Barakhambha Road
• Supreme Court
• Seva Teerth
• Janpath
• Mandi House
• Central Secretariat
• ITO
• Delhi Gate
• Indraprastha
• Khan Market
• Jor Bagh
• Shivaji Stadium

Despite the closures, the DMRC clarified that interchange facilities at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat will remain operational. This means passengers can continue changing metro lines at these stations without exiting the premises.

Metro authorities have advised commuters to check official updates before beginning their journey, as the security situation may lead to further operational changes.

Security Tightened Across Central Delhi

The closure of the metro stations coincides with an increased deployment of police and security personnel in central Delhi. Barricades have been placed at several strategic locations, while movement around sensitive government buildings has been closely monitored.

Traffic restrictions have also been implemented in parts of the city as authorities attempt to manage both vehicular movement and public gatherings. Officials have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel to areas where security arrangements have been intensified.

The current deployment follows protests that have continued since earlier this week, with demonstrators gathering near Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas.

Protest Enters Third Day

The ongoing protest has drawn attention across the country after groups of students and youth organisations began demonstrations over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Protesters have been demanding accountability from the authorities and have called for policy changes related to examination management.

The demonstrations gained momentum following a march organised earlier this week towards Parliament. During the march, clashes reportedly occurred between protesters and police personnel after security forces attempted to prevent the crowd from moving towards restricted areas.

Since then, protesters have continued their sit-in at Jantar Mantar, stating that they intend to maintain the agitation until their demands are addressed.

Representatives of the protest movement have publicly maintained that the demonstrations will continue unless significant action is taken by the government regarding their concerns.

Police and Protesters Present Different Versions

The events surrounding the protests have led to differing claims from both protesters and law enforcement agencies.

Protest organisers have alleged that excessive force was used during the police action to disperse demonstrators. According to their statements, several participants sustained injuries during the confrontation, and they have demanded an independent inquiry into the incident.

Delhi Police, on the other hand, has stated that multiple police personnel were also injured while attempting to control the crowd. Authorities have maintained that action was taken after protesters allegedly violated security arrangements and engaged in acts that disrupted public order.

Police have also registered multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with the incidents that occurred during the demonstrations. Investigations into allegations of violence, vandalism and other reported offences are currently underway.

Political Attention on the Issue

The developments have attracted considerable political attention, with several opposition leaders expressing concern over both the examination controversy and the police response to the protests.

Opposition Members of Parliament are expected to continue raising the issue during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Several parties have called for discussions on the examination system, accountability for alleged irregularities and the handling of student demonstrations.

The issue has also become a subject of debate on social media and across various public forums, where students, educators and citizens have shared differing views on the government's response and the broader challenges facing competitive examinations in the country.

Impact on Daily Commuters

The closure of major metro stations has affected thousands of office-goers, students and daily commuters who rely on the Delhi Metro for transportation across the city.

Stations such as Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat and Mandi House are among the busiest interchange points in the metro network. Although interchange services remain available, passengers travelling to or from these locations have had to modify their travel plans.

Many commuters have turned to buses, taxis and app-based transport services, resulting in increased traffic congestion on several major roads in central Delhi.

Authorities have advised passengers to plan their journeys carefully and remain updated through official announcements issued by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and traffic authorities.

Authorities Monitoring Situation

Officials have indicated that the closures are temporary and will remain in effect until security agencies assess that normal conditions have been restored.

The DMRC has assured passengers that metro operations across the rest of the network continue as scheduled and that any changes will be communicated through official channels.

Security agencies continue to monitor developments on the ground while maintaining a strong presence in sensitive locations across the capital.

As the protests continue and discussions over the examination controversy remain active, authorities are expected to review the security situation on a regular basis before deciding when the affected metro stations can resume normal operations.

For now, commuters have been advised to avoid the restricted areas where possible, use alternative routes and stay informed through official travel advisories until normal metro services are fully restored.