Delhi Metro will close entry and exit points at six central stations from 6 am to 4 pm on October 12, 2026, due to security measures for an upcoming protest march. Commuters and local businesses should prepare for restricted access in the capital's core areas during these hours.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that entry and exit points at six key stations in the national capital will remain closed on Monday, October 12, 2026. This administrative decision comes in response to security directives issued ahead of a protest march organized by the INDIA bloc.
From 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, passengers will not be able to enter or exit at Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, and Barakhamba Road. However, the DMRC has confirmed that interchange facilities will remain operational at these locations, allowing passengers to switch between metro lines without stepping outside the station network.
This security-driven measure is aimed at managing the potential movement of crowds in the Central Delhi area, specifically near Connaught Place and surrounding administrative hubs, as the INDIA bloc holds a 'Chalo Delhi' march to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demands from the opposition leadership include the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and changes to the current electoral roll revision process.
For investors and businesses operating in Central Delhi, such events often present temporary operational challenges. The closure of major transport hubs like Rajiv Chowk—a central node for the Delhi Metro—is frequently associated with reduced footfall in nearby commercial and retail areas. Furthermore, the broader environment of heightened security in the capital has become a repeating factor. Just two days prior, on October 10, 2026, authorities had imposed widespread restrictions, closing 45 metro stations to manage demonstrations by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
While these closures are temporary, they highlight the ongoing logistical risks that can affect business continuity and daily commercial activity in the capital's administrative center. The Supreme Court has previously advised that administrative restrictions on public transit should be proportionate to the situation to ensure that public mobility is not unnecessarily hampered. As the situation evolves, commuters and local businesses are expected to monitor official updates from the Delhi Metro and local authorities regarding any extensions or changes to these operational restrictions.