Entry and exit restrictions at 45 Delhi Metro stations, the cancellation of 245 train services and possible traffic diversions at 30 locations disrupted travel in the national capital on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The restrictions were imposed ahead of a planned Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstration at Jantar Mantar, where police have detained protesters attempting to gather despite the denial of permission.
The travel restrictions affect people heading to railway stations, offices and other destinations across Delhi, not just those planning to attend the demonstration. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has reduced its original list of affected stations from 57 to 45, while railway authorities have clarified which services are covered by the cancellations.
Delhi Metro Restricts Entry and Exit at 45 Stations Until 6 PM
Under DMRC's revised service advisory issued on October 9, entry and exit facilities at 45 Metro stations are scheduled to remain closed from 9 p.m. on Friday, October 9, until 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 10. Security agencies will review the situation before further changes are announced.
The revised arrangement replaces an earlier advisory covering 57 stations. Importantly, it does not mean that all Delhi Metro trains have stopped operating. DMRC has confirmed that interchange facilities remain available at the affected stations, except New Delhi Metro station.
Among the stations facing access restrictions are Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, ITO, Kashmere Gate and Lok Kalyan Marg. Other affected locations include Lajpat Nagar, Hauz Khas, Karol Bagh, Jhandewalan, Jamia Millia Islamia and several stations in north and northeast Delhi.
Passengers can continue using operational Metro services, but they may be unable to enter or leave the network at stations covered by the advisory. The scheduled 6 p.m. reopening remains subject to security assessment, so commuters should check DMRC's latest announcements before travelling.
Indian Railways Cancels 245 Trains, Including Rajdhani and Shatabdi Services
Indian Railways has cancelled 245 services originating from or terminating at Delhi stations, comprising 75 Mail and Express trains and 170 passenger trains. According to The Indian Express, citing railway officials and a Northern Railway statement, two additional trains have been rescheduled, while nine services face short termination or short origination.
The railway restrictions specifically cover Mail and Express trains that departed their originating stations after 2 p.m. on October 9 and were scheduled to reach New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m. on October 10. Railway authorities cited anticipated severe road congestion around the two major stations as the reason for the precautionary cancellations.
Affected services include the Prayagraj Express, Sampoorna Kranti Express, Kanpur-New Delhi Shatabdi Express, Prayagraj-New Delhi Humsafar Express and Rajendra Nagar-New Delhi Tejas Express. Several Rajdhani services have also been cancelled, while some other premium trains have had their schedules changed.
However, the cancellations do not amount to a complete shutdown of every train serving Delhi. The Kerala Express, which began its journey before the specified departure cutoff, was among the services reported to be operating despite its scheduled arrival during the affected period.
Passengers travelling through Delhi should therefore verify their individual train numbers and journey dates rather than assume that all services are cancelled. The Indian Railways National Train Enquiry System provides train-running information, while passengers can check ticket details and applicable cancellation arrangements through official railway booking channels.
Traffic Diversions Possible at 30 Delhi Locations From 6 AM
Road travel is also affected by security measures introduced ahead of the demonstration. In its official October 10 traffic advisory, Delhi Traffic Police identified 30 locations where movement could be restricted or diverted from 6 a.m., depending on conditions.
The identified locations include Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar Road, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Jhandewalan, Dhaula Kuan Flyover, Minto Road, Tolstoy Marg and the area around Rail Bhawan. The advisory also covers several major intersections connecting central Delhi with surrounding districts.
These are locations where restrictions may be enforced, rather than a confirmed list of roads closed continuously throughout the day. Delhi Traffic Police has said that diversions and other traffic management measures will be adjusted according to real-time assessments.
Motorists travelling towards New Delhi Railway Station, interstate bus terminals or the airport through central Delhi have been advised to allow additional journey time. The police have also requested that commuters avoid unnecessary travel through areas facing security restrictions.
Police Detain Protesters Near Jantar Mantar as CJP Demands Release of Leaders
The transport restrictions coincide with police action against demonstrators attempting to reach Jantar Mantar. According to Reuters, officers detained protesters in central Delhi, with a police source reporting approximately 200 detentions in the area during the agency's morning coverage.
CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were also detained after arriving in Delhi on a flight from Mumbai. The organisation condemned the action and demanded their immediate and unconditional release. In a separate statement reported by PTI, the CJP called for the release of YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and other detained protesters.
The CJP organised the demonstration to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning revisions to electoral rolls. The Election Commission and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have denied allegations of electoral manipulation.
Delhi Police denied permission for the gathering, citing security concerns and restrictions on public assembly. Police have described the measures as temporary precautions intended to regulate movement, prevent overcrowding and maintain public order.
What Passengers Should Know Before Travelling in Delhi
For Metro passengers, the most important distinction is between restricted station access and the operation of trains. Entry and exit remain unavailable at the 45 stations covered by DMRC's revised advisory, but interchange facilities are available at the affected stations other than New Delhi Metro station.
Railway passengers face a different situation because individual services have been cancelled, rescheduled or otherwise affected. Travellers should check their train status before leaving for the station, particularly if their journey involves New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin during the specified period.
Road users should also anticipate delays near central Delhi and major transport connections. The Delhi Traffic Police website provides official traffic information, while commuters can seek assistance through the traffic helplines 1095 and 011-25844444.
As of approximately 11:50 a.m. IST on October 10, the latest verified advisories continued to provide for Metro access restrictions until 6 p.m., subject to review, while traffic diversions remained dependent on conditions. No comprehensive official announcement confirming the early removal of these restrictions had been verified at that reporting cutoff.
Further updates from DMRC, Indian Railways and Delhi Traffic Police will determine whether access arrangements change and when affected services return to normal. Passengers should follow the latest official advisories rather than rely on earlier closure lists or assume that every restriction will end at the same time.