Full Metro Service Restored After Protest Withdrawal
All stations of the Delhi Metro network resumed normal operations on Sunday, July 26, 2026, after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) officially ended its sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) confirmed that both entry and exit gates at every station are now open for passengers, ending days of security restrictions and staggered closures that had affected 18 key central Delhi stations.
"Service Update: All stations of the Delhi Metro network are open (both entry and exit) for passenger services," DMRC posted on X. The announcement came after security personnel and law enforcement agencies cleared barriers at major stations following an assessment that the protest had concluded peacefully.
Stations Previously Closed Amid Agitation
The protest had led to the closure of 18 stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, ITO, New Delhi, Lok Kalyan Marg, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, Shivaji Stadium, and Jhandewalan. Commuters faced major disruptions during peak hours as security restrictions forced the DMRC to stagger services and bar entry at these stations.
The situation escalated after the CJP, a youth-led group, began its protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. The agitation grew in numbers, prompting the administration to impose mobile internet restrictions in the Jantar Mantar area and neighbouring parts of Central Delhi. With the protest called off, internet services have also been fully restored in the region.
Government Assurances Lead to Protest Withdrawal
The CJP announced the withdrawal of its agitation in "good faith" after receiving assurances from the government on its demands. CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das stated, "Cockroach Janta Party declares that we withdraw the agitation in good faith, with the understanding that the agreed-upon terms will be executed within the agreed-upon timelines."
The development followed the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from the post of Union Education Minister after over a month of protests, including the CJP's sit-in and a 26-day hunger strike by activist Sonam Wangchuk. The CJP said the central government agreed to provide suitable compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and assured the withdrawal of FIRs filed against protesters across the country.
Reforms and New Education Minister
Union Minister JP Nadda confirmed that the government had considered and accepted the demands raised during talks, particularly regarding reforms in the examination system and other protest-related issues. He added that the government would carefully examine the CJP's five-point charter on examination reforms and take necessary steps following discussions.
Newly appointed Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, who was given additional charge after President Droupadi Murmu accepted Pradhan's resignation, said he would fulfil the responsibility with "complete humility and responsibility." The reopening of Metro stations marks a return to normalcy in the capital after weeks of disruption linked to the NEET-UG protests.
