Delhi Metro restricts entry and exit at 45 stations ahead of CJP protest

DMRC reduced the number of Delhi Metro stations with closed entry and exit gates from 57 to 45 ahead of the CJP protest. The revised restrictions run until 6 p.m. on October 10.

DMRC's revised notice specifies gate closures from 9 p.m. on October 9 until 6 p.m. on October 10. Security agencies will then review the situation, with further service updates to follow.

Passengers can interchange at affected stations except New Delhi. Gate closures therefore do not mean that trains have stopped running through every affected station. The original advisory listed 57 stations and imposed restrictions until further notice.

The measures precede a Cockroach Janata Party and student-group protest planned at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Organisers demand chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and changes to the appointment process for election commissioners.

The Election Commission maintains that the revision improves the accuracy of electoral rolls. The irregularity allegations come from opponents of the exercise.

Police denied permission for the demonstration. Police official Nupur Prasad said on October 9 that organisers applied too late, as rules require at least ten days' notice. The Hindu reported that an intimation letter was submitted on October 7.

Authorities strengthened security preparations ahead of the protest. The Hindu reported the mobilisation of at least 70 CRPF companies, comprising about 7,000 personnel, from West Bengal and Chhattisgarh. These preparations concern public order and do not establish that all protest participants have already assembled.