New Delhi, July 24 (IANS). Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Friday announced the closure of 18 metro stations from 7.30 am on Saturday (July 25) till further orders, citing operational reasons.
This announcement has been made amid continuous protests by students at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak controversy. A huge crowd has gathered in these demonstrations and strict security arrangements have been made in the capital.
According to DMA, interchange facility will be available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat stations to maintain connectivity across the network.
The stations which are going to remain closed include Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Seva Tirtha, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, Shivaji Stadium, Jhandewalan and New Delhi.
Train services on the Airport Express Line will be available only between Dhaula Kuan and Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25.
Officials said that this decision has been taken to control the movement of crowd and maintain law and order in sensitive areas. Especially around Central Delhi, where thousands of students, parents and workers are protesting.
Jantar Mantar, located near many of the affected stations, has become the epicenter of the movement, with protesters demanding accountability and systemic reforms in the examination process.
DMRC regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers and urged them to plan their journey accordingly.
Security agencies are expected to increase deployment of security forces around closed stations and protest sites to prevent any untoward incident.
–IANS
SCH