Commuters question metro shutdowns over job loss fears

Stranded commuters on Wednesday faced significant disruption as Delhi Metro station closures caused by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest left hundreds stuck near their workplaces across the capital. The restrictions hit central Delhi hard, specifically affecting major interchange points and travel routes used by office-goers during rush hour. Panic began to set in as trains came to a halt and station entrances were sealed shut.

Confusion reigned at Mandi House station where security personnel blocked exits and passengers waited inside the premises for hours. Commuters pressed officials for answers regarding when normal movement would resume. The atmosphere was tense, with little information circulating despite slogans reportedly being raised nearby by the demonstrators.

Responsibility for lost jobs remains a primary concern for many stuck passengers. Others expressed frustration regarding their delay, questioning the logic behind the restrictions. One passenger noted that their office is located nearby, adding to the stress of the situation. Although officials repeatedly indicated that they had no update on when restrictions would be lifted, the delays forced many to reconsider their travel plans as the uncertainty of reaching their destinations on time grew more likely during the afternoon.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that 16 stations would remain closed until further notice due to security reasons. The list of affected locations includes 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. Access has been suspended at all listed sites. The impact is widespread.

Officials noted that interchange facilities would remain operational at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat despite the station closures. The decision to keep interchange facilities operating at these specific hubs while closing main entrances suggests a strategic compromise to preserve core connectivity. However, the physical blockage of these hubs effectively negates the convenience for anyone needing to transfer between lines or reach specific destinations on the closed lines. This approach creates a logistical friction that is hard to resolve without opening the gates. Commuters remain stuck.

The restrictions coincided with the third day of the CJP’s sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak. Security has remained tight across central Delhi since the party’s “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20, which saw clashes between protesters and police near Parliament. The ongoing unrest has further complicated the daily commute for thousands of residents living in the affected areas.

The protest is being led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite fast since June 28 to draw attention to the cause. On Wednesday, Wangchuk said he was willing to end his hunger strike if the government gave an unequivocal assurance that students and young protesters involved in the movement would not face legal or retaliatory action. He also appealed to the government to ensure that no punitive action is taken against protesters and that excessive force is not used against demonstrators in the future.

In an open letter to Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk said the government had indicated it would positively consider several demands raised by protesters, including compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide after the paper leak and a discussion in Parliament on accountability in the matter. The CJP has said it will continue its agitation until Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Talks between the parties have yet to yield a resolution at this time.