Frequent closure of Metro stations hits commuters

Frequent closure of important Metro stations has defeated the original purpose of the Delhi Metro — providing a robust and efficient public transport to the people of Delhi. Subhendu Ray reports.

Frequent closure of important Metro stations has defeated the original purpose of the Delhi Metro — providing a robust and efficient public transport to the people of Delhi.

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Last year, August saw shut-down of important metro stations for hours altogether on security grounds during protests by anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare. The massive protests in the wake of the brutal December 16 gang rape also saw frequent closure of key Metro stations on the Delhi Police’s directions.

Among these Metro stations were the busy Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Khan Market, Race Course and Udyog Bhawan.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) lost 25 lakh commuters due to shutdown at as many as 10 important stations for five days in December during the anti-rape protests, Minister of State for Urban Development Deepa Dasmunshi told Parliament in February.

DMRC has urged the Delhi Police not to shut Metro stations so frequently but the request, sources said, seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

“The Delhi Police asks us to close down stations several times, without giving consideration to the plight of thousands of commuters. This practice, if continued, will badly affect our commuters and may also lead to the Metro losing many commuters,” said Anuj Dayal, spokesperson of DMRC.