New Delhi: Commuters in the national capital are set to face another day of disruption as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced the closure of 18 metro stations in central Delhi for the fourth consecutive day. The restrictions, effective from 7.30 am on Saturday until further notice, have been imposed due to security concerns surrounding the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest near Jantar Mantar.

The prolonged closures have affected thousands of office-goers, students, lawyers and daily commuters, with many expressing frustration over limited travel options in the city.

18 metro stations remain shut

According to the DMRC, the following stations will remain closed:

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, Jhandewalan and New Delhi.

However, interchange facilities will continue to operate at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, allowing passengers to switch metro lines without exiting the stations.

Airport Express services partially affected

The DMRC has also imposed restrictions on the Airport Express Line. Train services will operate only between Dhaula Kuan and Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25, temporarily affecting connectivity to New Delhi Railway Station and Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Passengers have been advised to plan their journeys in advance, while the DMRC apologised for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing restrictions.

Commuters express frustration

The repeated station closures have forced many commuters to rely on road transport, leading to concerns over traffic congestion and increased travel costs.

The Supreme Court Bar Association has approached the Supreme Court, stating that the metro closures have created difficulties for lawyers and litigants travelling to court.

Several social media users also criticised the restrictions, with many arguing that passengers are being left with expensive cab rides due to surge pricing. Others urged authorities to permit work-from-home arrangements until normal metro services resume.

Delhi Police and the DMRC have maintained that the restrictions are necessary to ensure public safety and manage security in the protest-hit areas.