The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) reopened three key stations—Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat—on Saturday morning after a temporary closure triggered by the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The stations were shut on Friday evening as a security measure following Pradhan's resignation from the Union Cabinet, which led to heightened security protocols in central Delhi.
Timeline of Events
The stations were closed at around 6 PM on Friday, shortly after news of Pradhan's resignation became public. DMRC issued a statement confirming the closure, citing "security reasons." Over 2 lakh daily commuters were affected as trains skipped these stations on the Yellow and Violet lines. The closure lasted approximately 16 hours.
Reopening and Security Measures
"After thorough checks and clearance from security agencies, services have been restored at all three stations," said a DMRC spokesperson. "All safety protocols were followed during the temporary closure. We apologize for the inconvenience caused to passengers." The stations reopened at 10 AM Saturday, with normal train operations resuming shortly after.
Impact on Commuters
Thousands of commuters faced disruptions during Friday evening rush hour, with many forced to use alternative transport. "I had to take a bus from Kashmere Gate to reach home," said Rajesh Kumar, a daily traveler. The closure also affected access to key government offices near Central Secretariat, where Pradhan's ministry was based.
Political Context
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Minister of Education and Skill Development on Friday, following allegations of irregularities in a scholarship scheme. His resignation was accepted by the President, leading to the security alert in the capital. The metro closure was part of a broader security assessment of government buildings.
