Delhi braces for CJP protest: 45 metro stations closed, trains cancelled, 23,000 security personnel deployed

Ahead of a massive protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) along with student organisations, social activists and farmers’ organizations on Saturday (October 10, 2026), authorities have imposed strict security measures and traffic restrictions across New Delhi.

The CJP, led by founder Abhijeet Dipko, along with other student organizations such as the All India Students Association (AISA) and AISF, announced a nationwide march to Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the complete abolition of the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Protesters allege that the SIR exercise is being misused to manipulate electoral rolls by erasing genuine voters, misclassifying living citizens as deceased despite producing Aadhaar, PAN and other valid documents to prove they were alive, and altering key registration documents like Form 6 without consent.

45 metro stations closed

Several transit restrictions were put in place in the nation’s capital in response to the protests. Delhi Police has also proposed to close entry and exit gates at dozens of metro stations and reduce the frequency of trains, citing the likelihood of “unruly movement of crowd towards sensitive places”.

The closed places include major transit nodes like Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Kashmir Gate, Hauz Khas and Supreme Court.

Trains canceled and diverted

Similarly, railway zones across the country, including Western Railway, Central Railway, Northern Railway and North Western Railway, have canceled or rescheduled more than 200 trains arriving in or originating from Delhi, citing severe traffic congestion around New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations.

Western Railway rescheduled Mumbai Central–New Delhi Rajdhani Express (12951) and August Kranti Rajdhani Express (12953) by five hours, canceling services like Bandra Terminus–Hazrat Nizamuddin Express (12247), Dr. Ambedkar Nagar–New Delhi Express (20155), Nidore Indore–New Delhi Express (12415) and Sabarmati–New Delhi Express (12957). Central Railway has canceled CSMT–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express (22221) and CSMT–New Delhi Rajdhani Express (22209. The North Western Railway on Friday (October 9) canceled 13 train services scheduled to leave the state capital on October 9 and 10, citing “operational reasons” in Friday’s cancellation of the Jammu National Division train). of the capital, including the superfast Rajdhani Express.

This includes 75 Mail/Express including Rajdhani, Tejas, Shatabdi and 170 passenger trains.

The railways have set up dedicated help desks and officials have clarified that passengers with valid and verified train tickets will be allowed access to the stations.

23,000 security personnel deployed

The Ministry of Home Affairs has provided additional companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to the Delhi Police to beef up security in view of the proposed protest and other potential gatherings in the national capital.

According to sources, around 23,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed in Delhi between October 8, 2026 and October 12, 2026.

The New Delhi area is expected to witness a massive security deployment on October 10, 2026, with multi-layered barricades, CCTV surveillance and Facial Recognition System (FRS)-enabled cameras used to monitor movement.

Strict patrolling will be maintained at Delhi borders, railway stations and bus terminals. Security agencies are also keeping a special patrol to prevent criminal elements from entering the protest rally by posing as protesters, sources said.

Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in force and gatherings in violation of the restrictions will not be allowed.

Depending on the situation, the police may also regulate access to metro stations and markets in the New Delhi area.

Security agencies are maintaining close coordination and monitoring developments ahead of October 10 to prevent any law and order situation in the capital, sources said.

More closures: schools, colleges, liquor stores are closed

The Delhi government has ordered all liquor retailers to remain closed on October 9, 2026 and October 10, 2026, citing the prevailing situation and the need to maintain public order. Several educational institutions, including Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, have shifted classes online and postponed scheduled events

Who is joining the CJP protest

Despite the Delhi Police denying permission for the protests, citing past violations and short notice of the application, several civic groups and prominent leaders expressed their interest in participating in the protests.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has announced that he and his family will join the protest at Jantar Mantar. AISA National President and student activist Neha Bora urged participants across the country to hold local sit-ins wherever they are. Demonstrations will continue alongside left-wing student groups, farmers’ unions and civil rights groups.

The agitation will be led by CJP leaders including Mr. Dipke, Sayrav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.

(With PTI inputs)

Published – 09 Oct 2026 19:52 IST