 "Security personnel keep vigil at a cordoned-off area a day after an explosion, near the Red Fort, in New Delhi, November 11, 2025. PTI")
Delhi is on high alert after a powerful explosion tore through an area near the Red Fort, killing at least 12 people and injuring several others. The probe into the blast that took place outside Gate No.1 of Red Fort Metro Station has reportedly been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), meaning it is being considered as an act of terror by the government.
Amid the panic and chaos, the Lal Qila Metro Station has been shut due to security reasons, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said on Tuesday. “All other stations are functional as normal,” it added.
The iconic Red Fort is closed to visitors for three days, from November 11–13. Security measures have been enhanced across the national capital.
Let’s take a closer look.
Delhi Traffic Police’s traffic advisory
The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory on Tuesday morning, informing commuters about traffic diversions and avoiding certain routes.
Traffic restrictions and diversions were put in place on both carriageways and the service road of Netaji Subhash Marg, the police said in a post on X. The restrictions were imposed on the stretch between Chhatta Rail Cut to Subhash Marg Cut.
“Commuters are advised to avoid these routes from 6:00 AM [on Tuesday] until further notice and use alternative roads for a hassle-free journey. On that day, no vehicle will be allowed to move on Netaji Subhash Marg from Chhatta Rail Cut to Subhash Marg Cut, and vice-versa,” the Delhi Traffic Police posted on X.
US, UK issue travel advisory
The United States and the United Kingdom have issued travel advisories following the blast near Delhi’s Red Fort.
The US Embassy & Consulates in India asked its nationals to avoid the areas “surrounding the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk in Delhi.” It urged them to avoid crowds and keep track of local media for updates.
The US embassy advised its nationals to “be aware” of their surroundings and “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.”
The United Kingdom has warned its citizens against all travel to parts of India.
The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on its website, “There has been an explosion at the Red Fort (Lal Qila) Metro Station, New Delhi. If you’re in the immediate area, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media.”
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Security beefed up across India
High alert was sounded in several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, after the deadly blast in Delhi.
Security arrangements of “important establishments, religious sites, crowded places, and other sensitive points” will be reviewed, the Uttar Pradesh police wrote on X.
Airports, railway stations, government buildings and heritage sites across the country have been put on high alert, according to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
The Delhi and Bengaluru airports have informed travellers about increased security measures.
“Due to prevailing security situation in Delhi, security measures at Delhi Airport have been strengthened and the security screening process may take longer than usual,” the Delhi Airport said in a post on X.
It advised flyers to “plan their travel accordingly and reach the airport well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle”.
“Rest assured, all our teams and stakeholders are working in close coordination with security agencies to minimise inconvenience and ensure a safe and smooth travel experience for everyone,” it said.
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport also urged passengers to arrive well in advance to complete security checks. “Due to enhanced security measures at airports across the country, we request all passengers to plan their travel and arrive at BLR airport well in advance,” the airport said in an advisory on X.
Security arrangements were also boosted at the Chennai airport following the car explosion in Delhi.
Mumbai and Kolkata were also placed on heightened vigilance.
The Kolkata Police has also heightened security at Eden Gardens and across Kolkata ahead of the first India–South Africa Test later this week.
“We are on high alert. Keeping in mind the blast in Delhi, special and additional security arrangements are being made,” a Kolkata Police official was quoted as saying by IANS. “The Special Task Force (STF) will also be deployed alongside the local police.”
In Bihar, which witnessed the second and final phase of polling today, additional security was deployed, especially along the Indo-Nepal border.
Amit Shah warns culprits
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review following the car blast in Delhi, directing security agencies to “hunt down each and every culprit” involved in the incident.
He warned that those responsible “will face the full wrath of our agencies.”
The meeting at the Home Minister’s residence was attended by the Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Sadanand Vasant Date, and Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha. Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat also joined the meeting virtually.
Shah asked officials to explore all the angles as investigators find out how the blast occurred and those behind it.
“Chaired review meetings on the Delhi car blast with the senior officials. Instructed them to hunt down each and every culprit behind this incident. Everyone involved in this act will face the full wrath of our agencies,” the home minister wrote on X.
With inputs from agencies