Kumar Bahukhandi
Security personnel stand guard outside the closed entry gates of New Delhi Metro Station in the national capital on Monday, October 12, 2026, amid heightened security arrangements ahead of the opposition’s proposed protest march towards the Supreme Court. DMRC announced temporary entry and exit restrictions at six other Metro stations from 6 am to 4 pm.(PTI Photo)
DMRC announces restrictions from 6 am to 4 pm amid heightened security; interchange services remain available as Delhi Traffic Police warns of diversions across central parts of the capital
Key Highlights
- Entry and exit restricted at six Delhi Metro stations on Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Restrictions scheduled from 6 am to 4 pm, subject to security review.
- Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road affected.
- Interchange facilities remain available at all six stations.
- Congress and other INDIA bloc leaders plan a march towards the Supreme Court.
- Delhi Traffic Police warns of possible diversions and delays from 6 am.
New Delhi: Entry and exit facilities at six major Delhi Metro stations have been temporarily suspended on Monday, October 12, 2026, as security agencies tightened arrangements ahead of a protest march planned by Congress and other opposition leaders towards the Supreme Court. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that the restrictions would remain in force from 6 am to 4 pm, subject to a review of the security situation, while interchange services would continue to operate at the affected stations. Delhi Traffic Police has also warned commuters of possible road diversions and disruptions across New Delhi and Central Delhi.
Six Metro Stations Affected by Security Restrictions
The restrictions apply to six stations serving some of the busiest commercial, administrative and transport corridors in the national capital.
The affected stations are:
- Rajiv Chowk
- Central Secretariat
- Patel Chowk
- Janpath
- Mandi House
- Barakhamba Road
Passengers will not be permitted to enter or exit through these stations during the notified period. However, commuters travelling through the network will be able to use the interchange facilities available at the affected stations.
The restrictions have been introduced as a precautionary security measure rather than a complete suspension of Metro services.
DMRC Says Restrictions Subject to Security Review
In its public advisory, DMRC confirmed the temporary closure of entry and exit facilities at the designated stations.
“Due to security reasons, the entry and exit at the following metro stations will remain closed from 06:00 AM till 04:00 PM on 12th October, 2026,” the corporation stated.
DMRC further clarified that the situation would be reviewed by security agencies and that updates would be issued if any changes became necessary.
“However, interchange facility will remain available at all the concerned metro stations,” the advisory added.
The distinction is important for passengers who may need to change Metro lines without leaving the station premises.
Congress Protest March Prompts Heightened Security
The security arrangements coincide with a call by Congress leaders to march towards the Supreme Court as part of the opposition’s continuing protests concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Leaders and Members of Parliament belonging to several INDIA bloc parties are expected to participate in the demonstration.
The opposition has raised allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and has demanded the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner.
The proposed march forms part of a broader political confrontation over electoral transparency, voter-list revisions and the functioning of the Election Commission.
The allegations remain disputed and should not be treated as established findings of electoral misconduct.
Delhi Traffic Police Warns of Road Diversions
Alongside the Metro restrictions, Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory warning of possible traffic congestion and diversions across several important routes in New Delhi and Central Delhi.
According to the advisory, traffic restrictions may be introduced from 6 am depending on the prevailing law-and-order situation.
“In view of the law and order situation, traffic may be impacted on the following stretches in Delhi on 12.10.2026,” the advisory stated.
Police further indicated that diversions would be enforced according to the developing situation.
Motorists travelling through central parts of the capital may experience delays at major intersections, flyovers and connecting roads.
The advisory does not mean that every road in the affected areas will necessarily remain closed throughout the day.
Commuters Advised to Plan Alternative Routes
Passengers travelling to offices, educational institutions, hospitals and other destinations in central Delhi have been advised to allow additional journey time.
Those planning to enter or exit the Metro network at any of the six affected stations should consider nearby operational stations or alternative transport arrangements.
Passengers using the stations only for interchange may continue their journeys, subject to any further instructions issued by security agencies.
Road users have also been advised to follow traffic police updates and avoid unnecessary travel through areas where demonstrations or security restrictions may affect movement.
Security Arrangements Under Continuous Review
The restrictions reflect the administration’s efforts to regulate movement around sensitive locations during the proposed political demonstration.
DMRC has made clear that the notified timings are subject to review, meaning that access could be restored or restrictions modified depending on security assessments.
For commuters, the immediate concern remains the availability of reliable public transport and timely information about changes to Metro access and road traffic arrangements.
The scheduled restriction period ends at 4 pm on Monday, unless authorities announce a revision.
