Guwahati: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has informed the Supreme Court that metro services operated according to schedule on October 10, when protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were held in the national capital. However, the corporation said the demonstrations adversely affected commuters, with passenger numbers dropping significantly as many people opted not to travel.
In a compliance affidavit submitted to the court, the DMRC stated that approximately 32 lakh passengers used the metro network on October 10, compared with around 58 lakh on a typical second Saturday. The corporation attributed the decline in ridership to the disruption caused by the protests, stating that many residents avoided travelling and consequently missed their usual daily activities.
The affidavit was filed in response to the Supreme Court’s October 9 order directing authorities to ensure that metro and other rail services continued to operate under appropriate restrictions rather than being completely suspended, thereby minimising inconvenience to the public.
A bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana, during a special sitting on Sunday, had observed that a prima facie case of contempt appeared to exist in a petition alleging that metro services in Delhi had remained substantially shut on October 10 despite the court’s directions. The court subsequently issued notice to the DMRC in the matter.
In its submission, the DMRC maintained that it had not reduced the number of train services on the day of the protests. According to the affidavit, 271 trains were deployed, and all 4,157 scheduled trips were completed across the network.
However, entry and exit were restricted at 45 of the Delhi Metro’s 303 stations following directions from the Delhi Police. The DMRC said restrictions had initially been proposed for 57 stations but were scaled back to 45 after the police reviewed the security arrangements following the Supreme Court’s intervention.
The corporation further stated that 258 stations, accounting for more than 85 per cent of the network, remained fully operational and accessible to commuters. Interchange facilities also continued to function without interruption at 14 of the 45 affected stations.
Restrictions at the 45 stations were lifted from 10 pm on October 10 after the DMRC received a communication from the police authorities.
The corporation also told the court that it had kept passengers informed through regular updates on its social media platforms, website and Sarthi app. Announcements were additionally made inside trains and at metro stations to alert commuters about the restrictions.
The Supreme Court‘s October 9 order came while it was hearing petitions challenging restrictions imposed ahead of the October 10 protests against the Chief Election Commissioner. The court had expressed concern that the notifications appeared to impose a blanket prohibition on essential public transport services.
Emphasising the distinction between regulating transport operations and shutting them down entirely, the court directed the authorities to ensure that metro and other rail services continued in a regulated manner. It also stressed that any restrictions should adhere to the principle of proportionality and avoid causing unnecessary hardship to the general public.