Indian Railways Cancels Several Trains for Delhi on October 10 Amid Opposition Protest
Indian Railways has prepared a contingency plan to minimise passenger inconvenience in view of a protest called by the Congress and other Opposition parties in Delhi on October 10. Intelligence inputs and traffic advisories indicate the possibility of severe road congestion around New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM) between 4 am and 2 pm.
As part of the precautionary measures, Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 will be cancelled at their originating stations if they are scheduled to depart from their source stations after 2 pm on October 9.
The measure is intended to prevent passengers from facing difficulties similar to those reported on October 8, when around 5,000 passengers reportedly missed their trains because they could not reach New Delhi Railway Station on time amid traffic congestion and road restrictions linked to protests.
The cancellation arrangement applies to trains meeting the specified departure and arrival conditions. It does not mean that all train services at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations will remain suspended throughout October 10.
Railway Contingency Plan for October 10
According to the contingency plan, the railway authorities have taken a precautionary approach in anticipation of road congestion and possible traffic restrictions around the two major railway stations.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of anticipated disruption | October 10, 2026 |
| Affected railway stations | New Delhi (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) |
| Expected road congestion | 4 am to 2 pm on October 10 |
| Train categories covered | Mail and Express trains |
| Departure condition | Trains scheduled to leave their originating stations after 2 pm on October 9 |
| Arrival condition | Trains scheduled to arrive at NDLS or NZM between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 |
| Cancellation point | Originating station |
Under this arrangement, eligible trains will be cancelled at their originating stations rather than being allowed to depart and subsequently face operational complications while approaching Delhi.
The precautionary measure is aimed at reducing the possibility of passengers being stranded or missing their trains because of difficulties in reaching the railway stations.
Around 5,000 Passengers Reportedly Missed Trains on October 8
The decision follows reported disruption on October 8, when approximately 5,000 passengers missed their trains after being unable to reach New Delhi Railway Station in time.
According to the information available, road congestion and restrictions associated with protests affected access to the station. Among those reportedly affected were 56 students from IIT Jodhpur, who missed the Dibrugarh Rajdhani scheduled to depart at 4 pm.
The incident highlighted the difficulties that road closures and traffic diversions can create for railway passengers, particularly those travelling on long-distance trains with fixed departure schedules.
Railway authorities are now seeking to avoid a recurrence of similar problems by taking advance precautionary measures.
New Delhi Railway Station: Several Train Categories Could Be Affected
New Delhi Railway Station is one of India’s busiest railway hubs, handling numerous long-distance and suburban services.
Indicative estimates suggest that around 50–60 trains may be scheduled to depart during the relevant operating period. These include Mail and Express trains, Superfast services, Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains, Vande Bharat Express services, Humsafar Express trains and EMU/MEMU local services.
The early morning period, particularly between 4 am and 7 am, generally sees significant long-distance train activity. Several services continue through the morning and into the afternoon.
However, these figures represent indicative estimates of normal departures and should not be interpreted as the number of trains confirmed for cancellation on October 10. The actual impact will depend on the specific trains covered by the railway contingency order.
Hazrat Nizamuddin Station: Long-Distance Services Also in Focus
Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station is a major departure point for trains connecting Delhi with southern, western, central and eastern India.
Indicative estimates suggest that around 40–50 trains may be scheduled to depart during the relevant operating period. Services include trains such as the Dakshin Express, Golden Temple Mail and Chhattisgarh Express, along with Rajdhani, Duronto and Sampark Kranti services.
Several long-distance trains operate from the station from the early morning hours. Passengers travelling through Hazrat Nizamuddin should therefore check the status of their individual trains before leaving for the station.
The estimated number of departures does not represent the confirmed number of cancellations. Only trains covered by the applicable railway instructions will be affected under the stated contingency plan.
Why Are Protests Being Held in Delhi?
The Congress and other Opposition parties have called for protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and have raised allegations concerning the functioning of the Election Commission and electoral roll revisions.
The proposed demonstrations have prompted concerns about traffic congestion and access to important public transport facilities in central Delhi.
While political protests are part of democratic activity, restrictions around major railway stations can affect passengers who have no connection with the demonstrations. The railway contingency plan is intended to minimise the resulting inconvenience and operational difficulties.
Advisory for Railway Passengers
Passengers scheduled to travel to or from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin on October 10 should take the following precautions:
- Check train status: Verify the cancellation and running status of the specific train through official Indian Railways information channels or the National Train Enquiry System (NTES).
- Allow additional travel time: Road congestion and diversions may affect access to the stations.
- Verify the train number: Do not assume that every train arriving at or departing from the two stations has been cancelled.
- Check refund and alternative travel options: Passengers whose trains are cancelled should consult the applicable railway rules and official announcements.
Conclusion
Indian Railways’ contingency plan for October 10 is intended to prevent passengers from facing difficulties similar to those reported on October 8, when around 5,000 travellers reportedly missed their trains amid traffic disruptions around New Delhi Railway Station.
The key point is that the reported cancellation arrangement applies to specified Mail and Express trains scheduled to depart from their originating stations after 2 pm on October 9 and arrive at New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10.
Passengers should verify the official cancellation list and the status of their individual trains before travelling. The available information does not establish that all train movements from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin will be suspended for the entire day.
