Rajiv Chowk metro station to shut at 9 p.m. Wednesday

Delhi Metro's Rajiv Chowk station, one of the busiest, will close Wednesday at 9 p.m. to avoid overcrowding on New Year Eve but the interchange facility will continue.

"As advised by Delhi Police, entry or exit at the station will not be available after 9 p.m.," a Metro spokesman said.

But interchange facility will be available for passengers of the Yellow and Blue Lines which pass through the station.

Rajiv Chowk station sees a footfall of nearly five lakh on weekdays.

Joint Commissioner of Police M.K. Meena told IANS: "To prevent overcrowding in Connaught Place, we have requested Delhi Metro to shut the Rajiv Chowk station after 9 p.m.

"We have also asked them to keep a watch on other stations in the New Delhi area. If required we will ask them to shut other stations as well."

There will be restrictions on various arterial roads leading to Connaught Place from 8.30 p.m. Wednesday.

Following intelligence inputs of possible terror attacks in major cities, Delhi Police has increased vigil in various markets and prominent places.