More than 10,000 people protest at Jantar Mantar: Pressure on Delhi government for free bus service
City News Mumbai••0 views•2 min read
On 12 March 2024, more than 10,000 citizens protested against the government at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The main demand was free public transportation services. This event spurred a nationwide discussion on public policy.
On 12 March 2024, over 10,000 citizens staged a large-scale protest against the government at Delhi's historic Jantar Mantar.
On 12 March 2024, more than 10,000 citizens staged a large-scale protest against the government at Delhi's historic Jantar Mantar. The protest focused on demanding free public transport services as well as road safety and urban planning. Thousands of people gathered around Jantar Mantar with colorful flags, banners and placards to express their dissatisfaction. The main objective of the event was to urge the Delhi government to improve public transport policies, and it inspired citizens to raise their voices for their rights.
Jantar Mantar, built in the 18th century by Rajput ruler Jayapal, remains an important political platform for Delhi's citizens. Despite having a history of over 2000 years, the site still serves as a symbolic location for protests. In 2019, large‑scale protests on environmental protection and climate change also took place here, making the site a focal point of citizen voices.
During the protest, a prominent leader demanded free bus service, improved safety in public transport, and a reduction in road accidents. He said, “Our government must listen to the people’s voice.” He also wrote “Free Bus” on flags raised on the road and encouraged the crowd to chant slogans.
The Delhi government summoned the then Chief Minister to a meeting and the police ensured peaceful order. Officials said they would reconsider public transport plans and form a task force within the next month.
This event sent a message to citizens to be proactive in their demands, and the government promised to form a task force next month. Moreover, the protest inspired similar demands in other cities nationwide and opened a new direction for dialogue between civil society and the government.
Legally, during the protest, the police recorded a minor riot in some places due to clashes, resulting in several citizens sustaining minor injuries. However, the police adopted a dialogue approach to calm everyone. After the incident, citizens shared their experiences on online forums and demanded a counter‑action from the government.
