The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has filed an unconditional apology with the Supreme Court, clarifying that it did not implement a total shutdown during the October 10 protests. The operator confirmed that access was restricted at 45 of its 303 stations based on police directives, while standard train services continued. Ridership dropped to 3.2 million from the typical 5.8 million, which the operator attributed to public caution.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has formally submitted an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court, addressing legal and public concerns regarding the partial closure of its network during the demonstrations in the national capital on October 10. The corporation, which manages the massive transit network across the Delhi-NCR region, sought to clarify its operational stance following allegations that it had implemented a blanket ban on metro services.
In an affidavit filed by DMRC Chairperson D Thara, the entity explicitly denied conducting a total shutdown. Instead, the corporation detailed that while it restricted entry and exit points at 45 of its 303 stations, these actions were carried out in direct response to requests from local law enforcement agencies to maintain security. The DMRC emphasized that throughout the day, the vast majority of its infrastructure remained accessible, with 258 stations continuing to serve the public.
Despite the closures, the operator maintained that the structural integrity of the metro network remained intact. Crucial transit points such as Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, and Central Secretariat continued to facilitate passenger flow without interruption. Operational data provided by the corporation indicated that 271 trains were deployed to complete 4,157 scheduled trips, following the standard timetable for a Saturday. The DMRC asserted that no train services were canceled or curtailed as a result of the protests centered at Jantar Mantar.
The demonstrations clearly affected passenger volume, as the network recorded a ridership of roughly 3.2 million for the day, a significant decrease from the 5.8 million commuters typically seen on a Saturday. The corporation linked this decline to commuters opting to avoid areas near the protest sites rather than any failure of the transport system itself. To manage public transit, the operator utilized its communication channels, including the Sarthi mobile application, official website, and station-level announcements, to provide real-time updates on station accessibility.
The Supreme Court's review of the affidavit and any subsequent guidelines regarding the management of public protests near critical transportation infrastructure will be the next important development for observers of public governance and urban transport management.