Indian Railways on Friday cancelled all Mail and Express trains scheduled to reach New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday amid a planned protest in the national capital. The decision also affects Rajdhani Express services from West Bengal and several trains from Banaras and Bihar.
Why trains were cancelled
The Railway Board directed all zonal railways to cancel Mail and Express trains departing their originating stations after 2 pm on Friday that were due to arrive at the two Delhi stations during the specified window on Saturday. The trains will be cancelled at their source stations.
Railway authorities cited intelligence reports and traffic advisories warning of severe congestion around New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations on October 10 due to the planned demonstration. They said road restrictions could make it difficult for passengers to reach stations or arrange onwards transport after arrival.
Major train cancellations
Rajdhani Express Services
- Train No. 12301 – Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express
- Train No. 12313 – Sealdah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express
- Train No. 22221 – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express
Trains from Banaras
- Train No. 12559 – Banaras-New Delhi Shiv Ganga Express
- Train No. 12581 – Banaras-New Delhi Superfast Express
Trains from Bihar (Danapur Division)
- Train No. 12309 – Rajendra Nagar-New Delhi Tejas Rajdhani Express
- Train No. 12393 – Rajendra Nagar-New Delhi Sampoorna Kranti Express
- Train No. 20801 – Islampur-New Delhi Magadh Express
- Train No. 22361 – Rajendra Nagar-New Delhi Amrit Bharat Express
Other Reported Cancellations (Rajasthan & Neighbouring Regions)
- Train No. 12964 – Udaipur City-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express
- Train No. 12963 – Hazrat Nizamuddin-Udaipur City Express
- Train No. 15308 – Sirsa-Tilak Bridge
- Train No. 14727 – Shri Ganganagar-Tilak Bridge
- Train No. 14738 – Tilak Bridge-Bhiwani
- Train No. 14737 – Bhiwani-Tilak Bridge
- Train No. 14728 – Tilak Bridge-Shri Ganganagar
Note: Passengers should verify these cancellations with the concerned railway divisions as some route-specific cancellations require confirmation.
Delhi Metro Restrictions
Delhi Police has sought restrictions on Delhi Metro services ahead of the protest. In a letter dated October 8, Joint Commissioner of Police Rajneesh Gupta asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to close entry and exit gates at 57 stations from 9 pm on Friday until the situation normalises.
Key stations include:
- Rajiv Chowk
- New Delhi
- Central Secretariat
- Patel Chowk
- Janpath
- Mandi House
- ITO
- Kashmere Gate
- INA
- Hauz Khas
- Lajpat Nagar
Police also sought a possible reduction in train frequency at these stations.
CJP’s ‘chalo Delhi’ protest
The disruptions are linked to a protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and supporting organisations at Jantar Mantar on October 10. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police denied permission for the protest, citing public safety, traffic management concerns and alleged violations of conditions during earlier demonstrations. Police said the application lacked the required advance notice. Security has been tightened in central Delhi and on major entry routes to the capital.
What passengers should do
- Check train status on NTES or 139: Indian Railways advises passengers to check live train status via the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or by calling 139 before starting the journey.
- Automatic full refund for cancelled trains (e‑tickets): If a train is cancelled by the Railways, confirmed/RAC e‑tickets get an automatic full refund credited to the original payment account; passengers do not need to cancel or file a TDR.contents.
- Counter-ticket holders: For PRS counter tickets, refunds on cancelled trains are processed as per the prescribed refund rules, typically by surrendering the original ticket at reservation/booking counters within the stipulated time limits.
