For the third consecutive day, 18 stations of the Delhi Metro remained closed on Thursday as a student protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued to disrupt operations. The restrictions, first imposed on Wednesday, have severely affected the daily commute of office-goers, students and other passengers, forcing many to seek alternative transport.
Stations Affected and Commuter Impact
According to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officials, the shut stations are primarily on the Blue Line and Yellow Line, which are among the busiest corridors. Commuters reported long queues at bus stops and auto-rickshaw stands as they scrambled to reach their destinations. Many office-goers started their journeys hours earlier than usual, while some opted to work from home if possible.
The protest, organized by the CJP, a student political group, has led to heightened security presence at key stations. Police have been deployed to manage crowds and prevent any untoward incidents.
Background of the Protest
The Cockroach Janta Party, known for its student activism, has been demanding action on several issues, including education reforms and employment guarantees. The current protest began earlier this week and escalated when students attempted to block metro access as a form of civil disobedience.
DMRC officials stated that the closure is necessary for safety reasons. However, the prolonged shutdown has drawn criticism from commuters and business groups who highlight the economic toll.
Government Response
Authorities have declined to specify when services will resume, urging protesters to engage in dialogue. Meanwhile, alternative bus services have been augmented on affected routes, but they remain insufficient to absorb the thousands of displaced metro users.
The disruption underscores the vulnerability of the city's public transport system to political protests. This is not the first time Delhi Metro has faced such closures; similar incidents have occurred in the past during farmer protests and other agitations.
