Delhi Metro Closes 18 Stations Amid NEET Protests and Security Measures

In response to escalating student protests near Jantar Mantar, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has declared that 18 Metro stations will be closed starting from 7:30 AM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, until further notice. This decision comes as authorities enhance security protocols in anticipation of large gatherings related to the ongoing demonstrations concerning the alleged NEET paper leak. The DMRC made the announcement via a post on X, identifying the affected stations, which include Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, Shivaji Stadium, Jhandewalan, and New Delhi. Despite the closures, the DMRC confirmed that interchange facilities will remain operational at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat, allowing some continuity for commuters navigating the affected areas.

The ongoing protests have prompted a significant increase in security measures throughout central Delhi, leading to these latest restrictions. This marks the fourth consecutive day that such measures have been implemented in the capital, reflecting the authorities' concerns over potential large-scale gatherings. The closures have notably disrupted daily commuting patterns, forcing many office workers, students, and legal professionals to seek alternative transportation methods, primarily relying on road transport. The DMRC's recent announcement has sparked considerable frustration among commuters on social media, with many expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the inconvenience caused by the station closures. One commuter highlighted the importance of the New Delhi Metro station, which serves a large number of passengers traveling to the New Delhi Railway Station, questioning whether the authorities were infringing upon their constitutional right to movement.