The nation’s capital remains under heightened security a day after a powerful car explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station’s Gate No. 1 rocked the busy area, claiming at least nine lives and injuring over twenty people.
In a direct response to the security crisis, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced on Tuesday morning that the Lal Qila Metro Station has been temporarily closed.
DMRC Service Update (on X): “Lal Qila Metro Station is closed due to security reasons. All other stations are functional as normal.”
The closure is one of several stringent security measures implemented across the city as investigative agencies, including the Delhi Police, NIA, NSG, and FSL, scramble to determine the cause and motive behind the blast, which has been registered under the anti-terror law, UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act).
Blast Details and High Alert
The high-intensity blast occurred around 6:52 PM on Monday when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 car, allegedly carrying ammonium nitrate, exploded at a traffic signal near the Red Fort. The explosion completely gutted the primary vehicle and set several nearby cars and auto-rickshaws on fire.
The incident has triggered a high alert across Delhi and several other states, including Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Security has been intensified at key installations, airports, railway stations, and other metro lines nationwide.
In addition to the metro station closure, the Red Fort itself has been temporarily closed to visitors until November 13. The Delhi Traffic Police have also issued advisories regarding restrictions and diversions on Netaji Subhash Marg to facilitate the ongoing investigation and secure the blast site.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has scheduled a high-level security review meeting today with top officials, including the IB Chief, NIA DG, and Delhi Police Commissioner, to assess the situation and coordinate the multi-agency probe.