Commuters' woes: 9 Metro stations shut

Commuters were in for a shock on Monday morning when nine Metro stations were shut for security reasons owing to violent protests at India Gate and Raisina Hills on Saturday and Sunday.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation had issued a statement on Monday morning saying that nine stations — Central Secretariat, Race Course, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Pragati Maidan, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Udyog Bhawan and Khan Market — will be shut.

The nine stations will also remain closed on Tuesday as per police advisory, DMRC said. These stations had been  opened after 9 pm on Monday. 

Rajiv Chowk, the busiest station and that usually sees a footfall of five lakh passengers a day saw several commuters stranded outside and at the mercy of auto rickshaws drivers.

“I have asked 10 auto drivers to take me to Windsor Place and they are asking for Rs 100 for such a short distance,” said Anandita Sharma, a college student.

Entry and exit was stopped from these stations but interchange of trains was allowed.
Towards the evening after 4 pm limited entry gates were opened for the public at Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat Metro Stations.

However, commuters were not happy with this arrangement. Office goers were furious as they had to get off at far off stations and buses to reach their destination.

“It took me an hour to reach my office at Ashoka Road as stations connecting to the area were shut and no autos were ready to go that side,” said Harleen Kaur, who boards the metro from Rohini to come to Ashoka Road daily.

When asked if entry and exit will be permitted at these metro stations anytime soon Anuj Dayal. DMRC’s spokesperson said that they will wait for Delhi Police advisory.

TO BE CLOSED:
* Race Course
* Udyog Bhawan
* Khan Market
* Central Secretariat
* Patel Chowk
* Rajiv Chowk
* Barakhamba Road
* Mandi House and
* Pragati Maidan