DMRC Closes 17 Metro Stations From Friday Morning Until Further Notice Amid CJP Protest

New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced major changes to services, closing 17 metro stations starting Friday morning, amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in the capital. Delhi's metro commuters have been advised to plan their travel in advance as multiple stations will be affected.

According to the DMRC, 17 metro stations will remain closed from 7.30 am on July 24 until further instructions. The entry and exit at these stations will be suspended for the duration, though interchange facilities will continue to operate at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat to help passengers change lines. As the CJP has called for peaceful protests across the country on July 24, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the police have heightened security in the area around Jantar Mantar. 

Meanwhile, following the announcement, Delhi’s metro network will see major disruptions from Friday morning as the CJP steps up protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak row. The DMRC officials stated that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure amid the protests, urging passengers to check updates before heading out and to allow extra time for their journeys while the closures remain in effect.

Although the government has reiterated the willingness to hold discussions with student representatives, the protesting group claimed that it has not received any formal outreach and remains ready to meet at the protest site or at a neutral venue.

Entry-Exit Suspended At 17 Stations

In a post on X, DMRC stated that the entry and exit would be halted at 17 stations from Friday morning, however, the interchange facilities will continue at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat to allow passengers to switch lines.  
The stations to be closed are 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 and Jhandewalan.

CJP Calls For Nationwide Protests, Seeks Pradhan's Resignation

The CJP has urged people to take part in peaceful protests nationwide on Friday. In a poster shared on X, the party asked student unions and other organisations to coordinate for permissions and logistics, and to read out the students’ demands publicly.

The central demand remains the resignation of the Union Education Minister over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. The party leaders said that the protests will remain peaceful and are to press the government for accountability.

Govt Offers Dialogue, CJP Awaits Communication

The Centre on Thursday said it was open to talks, with Union Minister Jitendra Singh, saying that the government had already sent 4 formal proposals for discussions since the previous afternoon.

"The govt has sent four formal proposals for discussions with their representatives since last afternoon...This is a standing invitation to all our youth friends that the government is ready for discussions on all issues at your convenience, at any time. Discussions can take place either at JP Nadda's office or residence. We do not stand on prestige. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and I will be present for discussions. Slowly, by way of discussion, we will progress towards a solution. This is a part of the series of continuous steps taken by the govt for the welfare of the students. Humbly, I appeal to you all to come and have discussions," the Union Minister said.

CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das responded that no message had been received from the government’s side. He added that the government should contact the party directly to finalise the venue, timing and duration of any meeting.

Further details regarding the ongoing protests are awaited.