What is the 'metro is closed / you need a permit' scam near Delhi airport and railway station?

The pedestrian overpass near New Delhi railway station really was closed for a period (as of March) — travelers had to take a detour. Scammers exploit these real temporary closures by insisting the route is permanently blocked.

Right outside Delhi airport, touts approach tourists and claim the metro is closed that day (e.g. 'because it's Thursday') — this is false and meant to push you toward a taxi from their contacts instead.

Even right at the metro entrance, with people freely walking in and out, scammers keep insisting the entrance is closed or only open certain days — don't believe them, just walk in like everyone else.

On the overpass near New Delhi railway station (leading toward hotels in the tourist area), a local 'helper' may claim there's construction and you need a special permit for the tourist zone, offering to get one via a friend — it's a scam, just keep walking.