New Delhi/ Bhopal July 22, 2026

Security restrictions intensified in the national capital on Wednesday as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily closed 16 Metro stations and police stepped up deployment across central Delhi amid continuing protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and clashes between demonstrators and security personnel during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

According to agency reports, the closures were ordered as security agencies tightened the protective ring around the Parliament complex following protests by Opposition parties and student groups. The affected stations include Patel Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, Janpath and Central Secretariat, with DMRC saying they will remain closed until further notice because of security requirements.

Visuals from outside Patel Chowk Metro Station showed barricades, heavy police deployment and restricted public movement as authorities sought to prevent protesters from reaching Parliament. Security personnel were also deployed at strategic junctions surrounding Vijay Chowk, Janpath, Raisina Hill and other high-security areas.

The restrictions come against the backdrop of an intensifying political confrontation over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. The issue has disrupted proceedings in both Houses of Parliament, with Opposition parties demanding accountability, action against those responsible and a detailed statement from the government. Outside Parliament, opposition leaders and student groups have staged demonstrations, leading to confrontations with Delhi Police during attempts to march towards the Parliament complex.

Police had already imposed extensive security measures around Parliament at the start of the Monsoon Session, citing the need to maintain law and order amid multiple protest calls. Metro stations and arterial roads in central Delhi have repeatedly witnessed temporary restrictions whenever demonstrations were planned near Parliament or Jantar Mantar.

The latest shutdown marks a significant expansion of those measures. Earlier this week, only a handful of stations had been closed during protest marches. Wednesday's decision to suspend operations at 16 stations simultaneously reflects heightened security concerns as demonstrations continued alongside the functioning of Parliament.

The DMRC has advised commuters to check service updates before travelling and use alternative routes wherever possible. Delhi Police has also issued traffic advisories warning of diversions and congestion across central Delhi until security restrictions are lifted. Authorities have not indicated when normal Metro operations at the affected stations will resume.