Delhi Metro: Mandi House and Central Secretariat Stations Reopen, New Delhi Station Remains Closed Amid Protests

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Friday announced that entry gates at Mandi House and Central Secretariat metro stations have been reopened after being closed earlier in the day due to security arrangements linked to the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar.

In a post on X, the DMRC said: "Service Update: Entry gates for Mandi House and Central Secretariat metro stations are now open."

The latest update comes after a day of widespread travel disruption across central Delhi, with several metro stations remaining shut and commuters expressing frustration over repeated restrictions.

The reopening of Mandi House and Central Secretariat stations offers some relief to commuters after authorities imposed restrictions at multiple stations as part of security measures surrounding the Jantar Mantar protest.

Earlier on Friday, the DMRC had announced the closure of the New Delhi Metro station until further orders, while several other stations in central Delhi remained inaccessible for passengers.

Metro restrictions trigger commuter backlash

The repeated closure of metro stations and transport restrictions has sparked criticism on social media, with many commuters questioning why thousands of daily passengers were being affected.

As per a PTI report, several users argued that office-goers, students and hospital visitors were bearing the brunt of the restrictions, while protesters would still be able to reach Jantar Mantar through other means.

One user wrote: "The easiest way to handle a protest is to make ordinary citizens suffer."

Another questioned the repeated station closures, posting: "Are you running DMRC at your expense or public taxpayer money? Kindly give us a valid ground for the closure of these stations."

Commuters fear higher cab fares and longer journeys

The closure of the New Delhi Metro station prompted another wave of criticism, with several users warning that passengers would be forced to rely on app-based taxi services.

Many expressed concern that increased demand could lead to surge pricing, making travel significantly more expensive.

One social media user posted: "This is a public service. What alternative transport options have you made available? Taxpayers have the right to ask."

Another wrote: "Closing New Delhi Metro station will make travel much harder for thousands of passengers heading to the railway station and the Airport Express. Many people may now have no option but to book cabs, and surge pricing is likely to make travel much more expensive."

A third user commented: "Why not declare a curfew in the New Delhi area? What is this sadistic pleasure of asking people to come to the office and making them suffer by blocking avenues for them to reach the workplace?"

DMRC cites security reasons for metro station closures

The DMRC has maintained that the station closures have been implemented on security grounds and will remain in force until further instructions from the authorities.

Despite the reopening of two stations, the New Delhi Metro station remains closed until further instructions.

The DMRC said the station would remain shut and that interchange facilities would not be available.

The station serves as a major interchange between the Yellow Line and the Airport Express Line, while also providing direct access to the New Delhi Railway Station, making its closure a significant inconvenience for commuters, railway passengers and airport travellers.