Cancelled trains in Uttar Pradesh disrupted journeys to Delhi, forcing passengers from Lucknow and other cities to switch to expensive flights, long road trips or last-minute taxi arrangements amid heightened security for a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. Some travellers abandoned their plans after services were withdrawn at short notice.
The cancellations affected Delhi-bound passengers who had booked tickets weeks in advance. Railways attributed the decision to the possibility of severe road congestion near New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations as security arrangements were intensified in and around the national capital.
According to a Railway Board circular cited in the report, trains that left their originating stations after 2 pm on October 9 and were scheduled to arrive at New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 were cancelled. The measure affected passengers travelling from Lucknow and other parts of Uttar Pradesh.
The disruption had immediate consequences for people travelling for appointments, work and professional commitments. Rahul Mishra from Sitapur said he was travelling to Delhi for an admission-related appointment and was unsure whether he would reach on time after his train was cancelled. Sanjay Yadav of Rae Bareli said he had a meeting with a supplier in Delhi and could lose another day because of the disruption.
Other passengers reported similar difficulties. Vibhu Kumar said a client interview scheduled at a private company in Delhi was affected after his journey was disrupted, while the company did not accept his request to postpone the interview to Monday. Rohit Mishra, a student from Lucknow, was also forced to reconsider his Delhi trip after his train was cancelled at short notice.
Passengers who chose alternative modes of transport faced higher costs and longer journeys. Some opted for flights, while others travelled by road through multiple taxi changes. UPSRTC buses and other vehicles heading towards Delhi were also subjected to checks in districts bordering the national capital as security was tightened.
The security measures extended beyond transport operations. Police monitored social media platforms for posts that could encourage people or students to participate in activities likely to create a law-and-order situation. Officials said content considered provocative or in violation of the law would be dealt with under applicable legal provisions.
Railways advised passengers to confirm train status before beginning their journeys through helpline 139, the National Train Enquiry System app and official railway information channels. The advisory is particularly relevant for passengers whose routes involve New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin stations during periods of heightened security and traffic restrictions.
