Delhi Metro may close entry, exit gates at 57 stations from 9 pm ahead of October 10 CJP protest; police write to DMRC

Delhi Police has proposed shutting the entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations across the national capital from 9 pm on Friday (October 9) until the situation returns to normal on Saturday (October 10), citing security concerns ahead of a planned protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The proposal, conveyed to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) through an official communication dated October 8, also recommends reducing train frequency at the affected stations in view of the anticipated demonstrations and the possibility of unruly crowds moving towards sensitive locations. The final decision rests with the DMRC, which has yet to confirm whether the proposed restrictions will be implemented. Delhi Police has clarified that the proposal concerns the closure of entry and exit gates, while interchange facilities may remain available. 57 metro stations covered by the proposal The proposed restrictions cover stations across central, north, south, east and other parts of Delhi. The list includes Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Seva Teerth (Udyog Bhawan), Mandi House, Bara Khamba Road, ITO, Delhi Gate, Khan Market, R.K. Ashram Marg and Jhandewalan. Other stations named in the communication are Supreme Court, Indraprastha, Shivaji Stadium, INA (both metro lines), Hauz Khas, Jor Bagh, Arjangarh, Sarai Kale Khan-Nizamuddin, Lajpat Nagar, Jangpura, Ashram, Kalindi Kunj and Jasola. The proposed list also includes Jamia Millia Islamia, Okhla Vihar, Chawri Bazar, Jama Masjid, Karol Bagh, Rajendra Place, Vishwavidyalaya, Vidhan Sabha, Civil Lines, Kashmere Gate, Inderlok, G.T.B. Nagar, Kanhaiya Nagar, Netaji Subhash Palace and Azadpur. The remaining stations are Adarsh Nagar, Jahangir Puri, Haiderpur Badli Mor, Majlis Park, Shalimar Bagh, Seelampur, Maujpur, Jafrabad, Welcome, Yamuna Vihar, Khazuri Khas, Shahdara, Rithala, Rohini East and Rohini West. The letter, issued by the Office of the Joint Commissioner of Police, Transport Range, asked the DMRC managing director to direct the relevant officials and staff to take appropriate measures. It was signed by Joint Commissioner of Police Rajneesh Gupta. The communication listed Delhi Metro Police Control Room numbers as 22183903, 8745001709 and 6828400576. A statement issued by the Office of the Joint Commissioner of Police: Transport Range, states: "In view of the proposed protests at Jantar Mantar and other locations in New Delhi District on 10.10.2026, and likelihood of unruly mob movement towards sensitive locations, frequency of Metro trains passing through the following Metro stations may be reduced and their entry/exit gates may be closed from 09:00 PM on 09.10.2026, continuing on 10.10.2026 till the situation normalizes:" -- Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 9, 2026 Proposed protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar The proposed metro restrictions come ahead of the October 10 demonstration called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is demanding Kumar's resignation amid opposition allegations concerning the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Delhi Police has maintained that the proposed gathering would be unauthorised under the restrictions currently in force. Deputy Commissioner of Police Shrishti Pandey said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) applied across the national capital. "Section 163 is in effect, meaning protests are not permitted -- neither at Jantar Mantar nor anywhere else. Any gathering will be considered illegal, and we would be compelled to take necessary legal action against it," Pandey said, according to ANI. She urged potential participants to stay away from unauthorised gatherings and follow the prescribed legal process to raise their concerns. Jairam Ramesh criticises security arrangements Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the Centre's preparations ahead of the demonstration, interpreting the heightened security presence as a sign of nervousness following sustained opposition protests. In a post on X on Friday, Ramesh said the situation "Clearly shows the level of panic and nervousness coming as it does after four days of unrelenting protests by the INDIA janbandhan." The security preparations reportedly include the mobilisation of around 7,000 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel from West Bengal and Chhattisgarh. According to The Hindu, at least 70 CRPF companies, each comprising around 100 personnel, were being mobilised for law-and-order duties in Delhi. Of these, 40 companies were to be withdrawn from West Bengal, while 30 companies from Chhattisgarh were directed to remain ready for deployment. The mobilisation was undertaken following directions from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), according to the report. The deployment would be in addition to Delhi Police personnel and other Central Armed Police Forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF). Railway cancellations and heightened security Security preparations have coincided with restrictions affecting rail services into Delhi. An October 9 railway order said Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 would be cancelled. The order also covered trains departing their originating stations after 2 pm on Friday and scheduled to reach either station during Saturday's specified window. Railway authorities cited the possibility of severe road traffic congestion around the stations. Officials have not confirmed whether the cancellations are directly linked to the planned protest. Meanwhile, Delhi Police has reportedly identified around 500 people and 200 social media channels for monitoring ahead of the demonstration. Authorities are also tracking online posts after threat videos surfaced. The measures follow heightened security in the New Delhi district since October 2, amid demonstrations by Left parties, the Aam Aadmi Party and civil society groups over the CEC. The INDIA bloc has also held street protests in recent days.