Only 45 stations closed, not total ban: DMRC in SC; chief apologises

New Delhi: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that there was no complete ban on Metro services during the October 10 protests in the national capital, maintaining that entry and exit were restricted at only 45 of its 303 stations and that all scheduled train services operated as usual.

DMRC chairperson D Thara tendered an unconditional apology in an affidavit filed in response to a contempt notice issued by the court over the alleged violation of its October 9 directions on maintaining public transport services during protests.

The affidavit was filed in compliance with the court's direction to explain the restrictions imposed on Metro stations ahead of a demonstration at Jantar Mantar called by CJP and some student organisations demanding accountability from CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission of India.


The corporation said an initial police communication had sought closure of entry and exit gates at 57 stations. Following the court's intervention on October 9, the number was reduced to 45 through a modified communication issued by the police.

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DMRC maintained that the restrictions did not amount to a shutdown of public transport. Of the network's 303 stations, 258 remained fully operational and accessible to commuters, while interchange facilities continued at 14 of the affected stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate and Central Secretariat.

The corporation said 271 trains were inducted into service on October 10 and operated a total of 4,157 trips in accordance with the standard Saturday schedule. It denied any curtailment or cancellation of train services.

Ridership, however, fell to approximately 32 lakh passengers on October 10, compared with around 58 lakh on a normal second Saturday. DMRC attributed the decline to protests, stating that commuters may have avoided travelling because of the demonstrations and associated restrictions.

The corporation also maintained that it had publicised the restrictions through social media platforms, announcements at stations and inside trains, signage, its website and the Sarthi mobile application.