The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has informed the Supreme Court that no Metro train trips were cancelled on 10 October 2026, even as entry and exit restrictions were imposed at dozens of stations ahead of a proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. In a compliance affidavit filed before the apex court, the DMRC confirmed that all 4,157 scheduled train trips were operated across the network, maintaining the standard Saturday schedule.

What the Compliance Affidavit Says

The affidavit, filed by DMRC General Manager (Legal) Group Captain Sanjay Vinayakrao Kute (Retd.), stated that 271 trains were inducted into service on 10 October. It was submitted in compliance with the Supreme Court's 9 October order directing the DMRC, railway authorities, and Delhi Police (Traffic) to file reports on the operation of public transport services in the national capital.

The DMRC noted that the Delhi Police had initially directed the closure of entry and exit gates at 57 stations out of the total 303 stations in the Delhi-NCR Metro network. Following the Supreme Court's intervention, that number was reduced to 45 stations through a modified communication issued on 9 October.

'The notification dated 08.10.2026 did not impose a complete ban on public transportation. It merely directed the closure of 57 out of the 303 stations for entry and exit purposes,' the compliance report stated. Restrictions on entry and exit were thus confined to around 15 per cent of the network, while the remaining 258 stations — over 85 per cent — continued to remain fully operational and accessible to commuters.

Key Interchange Stations Remained Functional

The affidavit specifically noted that 14 key interchange stations among those affected — including Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, Hauz Khas, Dilli Haat-INA, and Netaji Subhash Place — continued to provide uninterrupted line-interchange facilities. Commuters were able to change Metro corridors without disruption, and alternative stations remained open to minimise inconvenience.

On the functioning of stations such as GTB Nagar and Vishwavidyalaya, the DMRC said there was no complete prohibition on passenger movement. Exit gates at Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station remained operational, while passenger movement at GTB Nagar was regulated by deployed personnel, with Gate No. 3 kept open to facilitate outgoing passengers.

Ridership Fell Sharply — but Not Due to Train Cuts

The affidavit disclosed that approximately 32 lakh passengers travelled on the Metro network on 10 October, compared to around 58 lakh passengers on a normal second Saturday — a drop of nearly 45 per cent. The DMRC attributed the lower ridership to the proposed protest, which reportedly prompted many commuters to avoid travelling and refrain from usual daily activities such as attending work or conducting business.

Restrictions at all 45 affected stations were lifted from 10 pm on 10 October after the DMRC received directions from the Delhi Police to reopen them. However, fresh communications were issued on 12 October directing the closure of entry and exit facilities at six Metro stations between 6 am and 4 pm, a period subsequently extended to 5 pm on the same day.

Supreme Court's Earlier Directions

The development comes amid contempt petitions alleging wilful disobedience of the apex court's 9 October directions. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant had observed on 9 October that the restrictions appeared to be 'overreaching' and clarified that there should be no outright prohibition on Metro train movement. The court directed authorities to permit Metro and railway services to operate in a suitably regulated manner, in accordance with the principle of proportionality.

Subsequently, on 11 October, a Bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, hearing a clutch of contempt petitions, directed that Metro and railway services should function normally unless restrictions became necessary due to a disturbance to public order. The court also sought details of affected stations and directed authorities to file compliance reports.

Steps Taken to Inform Commuters

The DMRC detailed the measures taken to disseminate information about the restrictions: regular updates on its official social media handles, announcements through the Operations Control Centre and train operators, advisory signages at station gates, and updates on its website and the DMRC Sarthi app. Additional staff and ground marshals were deployed at major interchange stations to guide commuters and manage passenger flows. The network was monitored in real time in coordination with police authorities.

The DMRC said it would continue to act in accordance with security assessments and directions issued by law enforcement agencies, while ensuring the smooth functioning of the Metro network subject to law-and-order requirements. The Supreme Court is expected to examine the compliance reports and assess whether authorities adequately upheld commuter rights during the restrictions.