NEW DELHI: Days after heightened security restrictions were imposed following a deadly car explosion near the Red Fort, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Sunday confirmed that all entry and exit gates at Lal Quila Metro Station have been reopened for passengers.
The DMRC announced the restoration of normal access through a service update on X, stating that every gate at the Violet Line station is now functional. The move follows a phased reopening that began on Saturday, when Gate 2 and Gate 3 were the first to resume operations after an extended closure.
The station had been shut shortly after the November 10 blast, which killed 12 people and left several others injured. In the immediate aftermath, authorities suspended access to Lal Quila station as security agencies examined the area and directed precautionary measures. The temporary closure had caused inconvenience to office-goers, tourists, and vendors who rely heavily on the station to reach the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk.
The renewed access comes as investigators broaden their inquiry into the explosion. Newly surfaced CCTV footage has provided a clearer picture of the movements of the prime suspect, Dr. Umar Un Nabi, on the day of the incident. The video shows him entering the city through the Badarpur border in an i20 car, stopping at a toll booth, and handing over cash to the collector. Despite wearing a mask, officials say his facial features were identifiable. A large bag, believed to have been inside the vehicle during the attack, is also visible in the backseat.
Earlier, forensic teams confirmed that Umar acted as the suicide bomber, with DNA samples linking him conclusively to his mother.
With the metro station returning to full functionality, authorities say they will continue to maintain increased vigilance across sensitive locations while the investigation progresses.