Delhi News: Liquor stores across Delhi will close two hours earlier than usual during the weekend, while entry and exit services at 18 Metro stations will remain suspended amid heightened security arrangements linked to the continuing student protest at Jantar Mantar.
The restrictions are expected to affect shoppers, office-goers, railway passengers and people travelling through central Delhi. Commuters have been advised to check the latest Delhi Metro service updates and plan alternative routes before beginning their journeys.
Liquor Shops to Shut at 8 PM During Weekend
Liquor shops across Delhi have been instructed to close by 8 PM on Saturday and Sunday, instead of their usual closing time of around 10 PM.
The temporary restriction was introduced following recommendations from the police as a precautionary measure during the ongoing protest. The early-closing order is expected to remain in force until the end of the weekend. (www.ndtv.com)
The order does not amount to a complete dry day. Customers may purchase liquor during regular operating hours, but shops must stop sales and close by 8 PM.
Reports said several outlets had also been closed earlier without advance notice on Thursday, leaving some customers unable to make purchases. (Amar Ujala)
Why Have the Restrictions Been Imposed?
Security has been tightened in central Delhi because of the continuing student-led protest near Jantar Mantar.
The demonstrations are connected to concerns over examination irregularities and alleged paper leaks. Authorities have introduced several precautionary measures around the protest venue, including Metro station closures, traffic restrictions and increased security deployment. (Reuters)
Officials have maintained that the measures are necessary to maintain public order and manage movement around sensitive areas.
18 Delhi Metro Stations Closed from 7:30 AM
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced that 18 stations would remain closed from 7:30 AM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, until further instructions.
Passengers will not be allowed to enter or exit through these stations while the restrictions remain in force. (Times Now Navbharat)
The affected stations are:
- Lok Kalyan Marg
- Rajiv Chowk
- Patel Chowk
- Ramakrishna Ashram Marg
- Barakhambha Road
- Supreme Court
- Seva Teerth
- Janpath
- Mandi House
- Central Secretariat
- ITO
- Delhi Gate
- Indraprastha
- Khan Market
- Jor Bagh
- Shivaji Stadium
- Jhandewalan
- New Delhi
These closures cover several major stations serving Connaught Place, government offices, courts, railway terminals and commercial districts in central Delhi. (Times Now Navbharat)
Interchange Available at Three Stations
Although entry and exit gates will remain closed, passengers will still be able to change Metro lines at three interchange stations:
- Rajiv Chowk
- Mandi House
- Central Secretariat
This means passengers already travelling within the Metro network may switch lines at these stations. However, they will not be permitted to leave the station or enter from outside. (The Economic Times)
New Delhi Metro Closure May Affect Railway Passengers
The closure of New Delhi Metro station may cause particular inconvenience to passengers travelling to or from New Delhi Railway Station.
Travellers with confirmed train bookings should leave earlier than usual and consider alternative stations, buses, taxis or other road-based transport.
The restrictions at Rajiv Chowk, Shivaji Stadium and New Delhi may also increase pressure on nearby roads and operational Metro stations.
Commuters Asked to Use Alternative Routes
DMRC has advised passengers to check service updates before travelling and use alternative routes wherever possible.
People heading towards Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, ITO, the Supreme Court, Central Secretariat or New Delhi Railway Station should allow additional travel time.
Possible alternatives will depend on the passenger’s destination and the operating status of nearby stations. Travellers should avoid relying on a single route because restrictions may be modified at short notice.
Metro Restrictions Continue for Another Day
The closures are part of continuing security restrictions affecting central Delhi. Several Metro stations had remained shut during the previous days as well.
On Friday, 17 stations remained closed for much of the day, while Mandi House and Central Secretariat were briefly reopened later in the evening. New Delhi station was subsequently added to the affected list, bringing the total to 18. (The Economic Times)
The prolonged restrictions have affected office workers, students, lawyers, traders and railway passengers. Many commuters have had to depend on buses, autorickshaws and taxis, contributing to longer journey times and increased congestion on central Delhi roads. (The Economic Times)
Restrictions to Continue Until Further Notice
The Metro station closure order does not currently specify a fixed reopening time. Services at the affected stations will resume only after security agencies issue further instructions.
The liquor shop restriction, however, is presently expected to remain applicable through the weekend, with outlets required to close by 8 PM.
Residents and visitors should follow official advisories before travelling, particularly if their route passes through central Delhi.
Disclaimer: Metro operations, road restrictions and shop timings may change depending on the security situation. Commuters should verify the latest information through official DMRC and local administration updates before travelling.
