New Delhi: Normal services resumed across the Delhi Metro network on Sunday after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) formally withdrew its protest at Jantar Mantar, bringing an end to nearly two weeks of heightened security measures that had disrupted travel across the national capital.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) confirmed that all stations were once again open for passengers, with both entry and exit gates functioning normally.
During the protest period, authorities had imposed restrictions at several prominent stations in central Delhi, leading to repeated closures and limited access for commuters. The affected locations included Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Janpath, ITO, Delhi Gate, Khan Market, Lok Kalyan Marg, Indraprastha, Jor Bagh, Shivaji Stadium, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Jhandewalan, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth and Barakhambha Road.
The restrictions were lifted after security agencies reviewed the situation following the conclusion of the demonstration. Barricades placed around key transit points were subsequently removed, allowing metro operations to return to normal.
Authorities also restored mobile internet services in and around the Jantar Mantar area after connectivity had been suspended for several days as a precaution amid the growing student-led agitation over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.
Announcing the end of the protest, CJP leaders said they had decided to suspend the agitation after receiving assurances from the Centre regarding several of their demands. The organisation stated that it was ending the movement in good faith, expecting the agreed commitments to be implemented within the promised timelines.
The protest had intensified in recent weeks, eventually leading to the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister. The demonstrations also included a 26-day hunger strike by activist Sonam Wangchuk, which drew national attention to the issue.
According to CJP, the government has agreed to consider compensation for families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide and has also assured that legal cases registered against peaceful protesters would be reviewed.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda said the Centre had accepted several concerns raised during discussions with CJP representatives and would examine the group’s recommendations on examination reforms before taking further decisions.
Following Pradhan’s resignation, Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Ministry of Education. After assuming the responsibility, Joshi said he would work with dedication and fulfil his new role with humility while addressing the challenges facing the country’s education system.
