New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Thursday closed 16 metro stations from 7.30 am until further notice amid the ongoing student protest at Jantar Mantar led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), causing major inconvenience to thousands of commuters.
According to the DMRC, the affected stations 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 and Shivaji Stadium. However, interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.
Protest over alleged NEET paper leak
Thousands of students gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. Protesters also linked their agitation to the reported suicides of 21 students.
The demonstrations intensified following the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march on July 20, during which clashes reportedly broke out between protesters and police. Students alleged that police used lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Commuters face disruption
This marks the second major disruption within a week, with a similar closure of metro stations on Wednesday affecting office-goers, students and daily commuters. Although trains continued to operate on several routes, they skipped the closed stations, forcing passengers to travel beyond their destinations and seek alternate transport.
Several commuters described scenes of confusion, with passengers unable to deboard at designated stations and uncertainty prevailing around the affected areas.
Authorities have not announced when the stations will reopen and have advised commuters to check official DMRC updates before planning their travel.