New Delhi, July 25 (IANS) The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced the temporary closure of 18 Metro stations across Central Delhi from 7:30 a.m. on Saturday until further notice, citing heightened security arrangements in view of the ongoing student protests near Jantar Mantar over NEET paper leaks.DMRC took to social media 'X' and said, "Below mentioned Metro stations will be closed from 07:30 A.M. tomorrow (25th July, 2026) till further instructions. However, Interchange facility shall remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.""Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," the DMRC added.As per the advisory, entry and exit services have been suspended at Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, Shivaji Stadium, Jhandewalan and New Delhi Metro stations. While passengers will not be allowed to enter or exit these stations, interchange services at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat will continue to operate.

The restrictions have been imposed as authorities strengthen security measures across central Delhi in anticipation of large gatherings linked to the continuing protests over the NEET paper leak. Saturday marks the fifth consecutive day of Metro-related restrictions in the national Capital.The DMRC has urged passengers to plan their travel in advance and make alternative arrangements wherever necessary, stating that the temporary closures are purely a precautionary measure to support law and order.The shutdown has caused widespread inconvenience for daily commuters, including office-goers, students, lawyers and railway passengers. As many of the affected stations are located in the heart of the city, thousands of people have been forced to depend on road transport, leading to traffic congestion and significantly longer travel times.

The closure of the New Delhi Metro Station has particularly affected passengers travelling to and from the New Delhi Railway Station, one of the country's busiest transport hubs. The restrictions have also sparked public debate, with some questioning whether repeated station closures impede citizens' freedom of movement.The Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant expressed concern over the closure of the Supreme Court Metro station which was affecting the functioning of the top court.Meanwhile, several commuters reported delays, longer waiting times and diversions as they navigated alternate routes across the city.

/IANS