Delhi Metro defends operations in Supreme Court over October 10 protests

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation told the Supreme Court that its network stayed fully functional on October 10 with 32 lakh passengers despite protests in the capital. The corporation filed affidavits stating there was zero reduction in train trips or operation volume. ## Traffic Drop And Protests Commuter traffic was lower than the usual second Saturday count of 58 lakh. The DMRC blamed this drop on public caution and protests over demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Petitioners argued that widespread barricading violated an October 9 Supreme Court order on movement restrictions. ## Station Regulations Entry and exit gates were regulated at 45 stations out of 303, while over 85 percent of the network stayed open. Fourteen key interchange stations provided uninterrupted line-interchange facilities. The corporation maintained its full service schedule with 271 trains making 4,157 trips, and lifted all restrictions by 10 p.m. on October 10. ## Chairperson's Plea And Later Closures DMRC chairperson D. Thara sought discharge from contempt proceedings initiated by the Supreme Court. She stated the DMRC would follow directions from law enforcement agencies. Services at six stations were also closed from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 12 during the Opposition bloc's March for Democracy. ## Context The Delhi Metro is a major rapid transit system carrying millions of daily commuters across the national capital region. Public transport networks frequently adjust station access during large political demonstrations to manage crowd safety and security. Court oversight in these situations deals with balancing public movement rights against law enforcement security needs.