Despite extensive Metro restrictions and heavy police deployment, protesters continued to gather at Jantar Mantar, while office-goers, students and daily wage earners faced long detours and higher travel costs.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, July 23: Thousands of commuters across the national capital faced another day of disruption on Thursday as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) kept 16 key Metro stations in central Delhi closed for the second consecutive day amid heightened security around the ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar.
The restrictions, imposed across a four-kilometre radius of the protest site, have significantly disrupted travel for office-goers, students, daily wage earners and tourists, forcing many to walk long distances or rely on expensive cabs and auto-rickshaws. With Parliament in session and security tightened in the heart of the capital, central Delhi witnessed heavy traffic congestion during the morning rush hour.
Despite the unprecedented restrictions, protesters continued to gather at Jantar Mantar in large numbers, indicating that the closure of Metro stations has done little to deter the agitation while substantially inconveniencing the general public.
Service Update
Below mentioned Metro stations will be closed from 07:30 AM till further instructions. However, Interchange facility shall remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.
1. Lok Kalyan Marg
2. Rajiv Chowk
3. Patel Chowk
4. Ramakrishna…— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) July 23, 2026
While interchange facilities continue to function at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, passengers are not permitted to enter or exit these stations. The closures have affected the Yellow, Blue and Violet Lines, disrupting one of the busiest sections of the Metro network.
Protests Show No Signs of Slowing
The restrictions coincide with the fourth week of protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), student organisations and civil society groups over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
The protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, criminal action against those responsible for the examination scandal, compensation for affected families and sweeping reforms to safeguard the integrity of competitive examinations.
Although police have fortified the area with barricades and heavy deployment, the daily turnout at Jantar Mantar has remained steady.
READ: PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for Paper Leak Cases
Commuters Express Frustration
The prolonged closure of Metro stations has triggered widespread criticism from commuters, many of whom questioned why ordinary citizens should bear the cost of security arrangements.
Long queues were reported at nearby operational stations, while app-based taxi fares surged during peak hours. Coaching students, government employees and private-sector workers were among those worst affected.
Social media platforms were flooded with complaints.
One user, Sanam (@sanamtrail), wrote: “Do you want the working class to stay at home or join protests? Protesters are going to come anyway. These decisions show poor leadership and create panic. We pay taxes—improve efficiency instead of taking poor action.”
Another user, Ajay Kumar (@ajaykumar9099), posted: “Shameful! You don’t care about the people. The government is harassing ordinary citizens.”
Sofia Crackson (@SCrackson19184) questioned the repeated restrictions, saying: “Daily metro shutdowns, internet blackouts and endless disruptions—how are students and ordinary people supposed to function? These are basic necessities, not privileges.”
Environmental activist Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) also criticised the closures, writing: “When a dictator runs the country, it even blocks the Metro train for the public.”
Security vs Public Convenience
Authorities have maintained that the station closures are precautionary measures aimed at preventing any untoward incidents and ensuring law and order while Parliament is in session.
Critics, however, argue that blanket restrictions on one of Delhi’s primary modes of transport are proving counterproductive. They have urged authorities to adopt more balanced measures, such as deploying additional buses, creating controlled protest corridors and improving crowd management instead of shutting down major transport hubs.
The repeated closures, coupled with internet restrictions reported in parts of central Delhi, have effectively turned the area into a high-security zone, affecting businesses, educational institutions and commercial establishments.
With no immediate breakthrough in the standoff between protesters and the government, commuters are bracing for further disruption. The DMRC has advised passengers to monitor its official updates and make alternative travel arrangements until normal services are restored.
