The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced the closure of several metro stations in response to the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) protest plans against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Along with this, Delhi Police has imposed Section 144 outside the Patel Chowk Metro station. Delhi Traffic Police has also issued an advisory restricting the movement of vehicles in Delhi's central part and several roads have been closed. Know all the details before you head out of your home today:
Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station: The station will remain closed until further notice due to security concerns related to the AAP protest.
Patel Chowk Metro Station (Gate no 3): Gate no 3 of Patel Chowk Metro Station will also be closed until further notice.
Central Secretariat Metro Station (Gate no 5): Gate no 5 of Central Secretariat Metro Station will remain closed for the time being.
Security Update
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 26, 2024
Due to security reasons, entry/exit at Lok Kalyan Marg Metro station, Gate no 3 of Patel Chowk Metro Station and Gate no 5 of Central Secretariat Metro station will remain closed till further notice.
The closures are a precautionary measure taken by the authorities to ensure the safety and security of passengers and metro facilities amidst the planned protest activity. The Aam Aadmi Party has called for a 'gherao' at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, protesting the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal. However, the Delhi Police has stated that no permission has been granted for the protest, and adequate security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order.
VIDEO | Visuals from Delhi's Patel Chowk as AAP workers and supporters protest against CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by ED.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 26, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/448NGLdcHN
Section 144 Imposed
The Delhi police issued announcements outside the Patel Chowk Metro station regarding the AAP protestors. They stated that section 144 had been imposed, protesting without permission was prohibited, and the area needed to be cleared within 5 minutes.
#WATCH | Delhi: Delhi police make announcements outside the Patel Chowk Metro station for the AAP protestors. The police said that section 144 had been imposed, there is no permission for protests and that the area should be cleared within 5 minutes.
— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2024
Security had been heightened… pic.twitter.com/aN7lOqaxn5
Ahead of the AAP's planned protest, the Delhi Traffic Police has released an advisory for the New Delhi district. The advisory includes:
1. No Parking Zones: Vehicles are not allowed to be parked or halt on Tughlaq Road, Safdarjung Road, and Kemal Ataturk Marg, with strict enforcement and towing away of violators.
2. Diversion Points: If required, diversions will be implemented at various points including Aurobindo Chowk, Tughlaq Road, Samrat Hotel roundabout, Gymkhana Post Office roundabout, and others.
3. Public Cooperation: Commuters are urged to cooperate by avoiding the specified routes if possible and making use of public transport to ease congestion.
Traffic Advisory
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) March 25, 2024
In view of special Law & Order arrangement in New Delhi area on 26.03.2024, traffic will be affected.
Kindly follow the advisory#DPTrafficAdvisory pic.twitter.com/5BUosjCzmy