New Delhi is preparing for heightened security and major transport disruptions ahead of a proposed protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10. Authorities have deployed extensive security personnel, imposed restrictions in parts of central Delhi and arranged changes to metro and railway services to manage the anticipated movement of demonstrators.
The protest is intended to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. However, Delhi Police has refused permission for the demonstration, citing procedural requirements and public safety concerns. The measures are expected to affect commuters, railway passengers and people travelling through important areas of the national capital.
Police Deny Permission for Jantar Mantar Demonstration
Delhi Police said the organisers had not provided the mandatory 10-day advance notice required for the proposed gathering. Officials also referred to alleged violations of protest guidelines during an earlier demonstration while explaining the decision.
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in force in parts of central Delhi. The restrictions are intended to prevent potential public-order problems, particularly around Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations in the New Delhi district.
Authorities have warned that violations of the applicable restrictions could lead to legal action. Security arrangements are also designed to monitor the movement of crowds and prevent unauthorised gatherings from affecting sensitive areas.
Delhi Metro Restrictions to Affect 57 Stations
Metro passengers could face significant inconvenience as restrictions have been announced at 57 stations ahead of the planned protest. Entry and exit gates at the affected stations are scheduled to close from 9 pm on Friday, October 9. Train frequency may also be reduced on affected routes.
Major stations identified for restrictions include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Patel Chowk, Janpath, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, ITO, Delhi Gate, Khan Market, Lok Kalyan Marg, Udyog Bhawan, Kashmere Gate, Hauz Khas, INA and Lajpat Nagar.
The affected network includes important interchange points used by office workers, students and other daily passengers. Reduced train frequency and restricted station access could lengthen journeys and complicate transfers between metro lines.
Passengers travelling on Friday night or Saturday have been advised to check the latest operational announcements before leaving home. Allowing additional travel time and considering alternative routes may help minimise disruption.
Railway Cancellations to Affect Saturday Travel
Railway operations are also being adjusted because of the security arrangements. Several trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 have been cancelled at their originating stations.
The changes could affect passengers arriving in Delhi for work, connecting journeys and other commitments. Travellers should verify their individual train status before departing, rather than relying solely on their original booking details.
The restrictions on rail services, combined with the metro measures, could make movement across the capital more difficult during the period surrounding the demonstration.
More Than 23,000 Security Personnel to Be Deployed
Security preparations include the deployment of approximately 23,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. The Union Home Ministry has approved 221 CAPF companies for deployment between October 8 and 12, alongside an additional 110 companies provided to Delhi Police.
The forces include personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Rapid Action Force and Central Industrial Security Force.
Authorities are also preparing multilayered barricades, CCTV-based monitoring from control rooms and the installation of facial-recognition cameras at locations across the capital. Neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, have been asked to remain alert.
With the protest scheduled for October 10 and permission denied, the coming hours will be significant for both security management and public transport. Residents and visitors should monitor official advisories for updated information on metro access, train cancellations and restrictions affecting movement around central Delhi.
