Delhi: Lal Quila Metro Station Closed Until Further Notice Due to Security Reasons

The Lal Quila Metro Station in Delhi is closed until further notice due to security reasons, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced on Thursday. The decision follows a recent car blast near the Red Fort on November 10, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries and has prompted heightened security measures across the city.

The DMRC confirmed the closure via its official social media channels, stating that all entry and exit gates at the station will remain shut. However, metro trains on the Violet Line will continue to operate normally, bypassing the Lal Quila station.

The November 10 explosion, suspected to have originated from a car parked near the Red Fort, has raised significant security concerns in one of the capital's most sensitive areas. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the incident, and surveillance has been increased throughout central and northern Delhi, particularly around historical sites and public transportation hubs. The government has formally characterized the incident as a terror attack. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called the Red Fort blast a "heinous and cowardly" act perpetrated by anti-national forces.

Commuters who typically use the Lal Quila Metro Station are advised to use alternative stations on the Violet and Yellow Lines. Suggested nearby stations include Jama Masjid and Delhi Gate on the Violet Line, and Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line. Passengers are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly and allow for extra travel time due to potential diversions and increased security checks in the Red Fort area.

DMRC has clarified that all other metro stations are functioning normally. Commuters traveling in the Old Delhi area are advised to use Jama Masjid or Delhi Gate stations to avoid inconvenience. Additional security personnel have been deployed throughout the metro system, and random baggage checks and passenger screenings are being conducted as precautionary measures.

Following the blast, the Delhi Police and security agencies have intensified patrolling near tourist sites, crowded markets, and religious places. Barricades have been erected, and some roads in the vicinity of the Red Fort remain partially restricted. Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with security checks and avoid unnecessary movement in the Red Fort area until normalcy is restored.

The DMRC has not yet announced a date for the reopening of the Lal Quila Metro Station. Normal services will resume once security agencies have given clearance. Commuters are advised to stay updated through official DMRC channels for further information.