Mumbai’s Central and Western Railway divisions have implemented temporary restrictions on the sale of platform tickets at select major stations to manage the anticipated surge in commuter traffic during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities. Officials said the measure aims to regulate crowds, ensure passenger safety, and facilitate smoother movement within station premises.
Under the directive, Central Railway will restrict platform ticket sales from 16th to 28th October 2025 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Thane, Kalyan, and Panvel stations. On the Western Railway, the restriction will be in effect from 15th to 31st October 2025 at Bandra Terminus, Vapi, Udhna, and Surat stations of the Mumbai Central division. The temporary restriction will not affect passengers who require assistance, including senior citizens, ailing individuals, children, and women needing support, in line with Railway Board guidelines. Civic experts noted that these exemptions are critical to maintaining accessibility and inclusivity even during high-traffic periods.
Officials explained that the move is part of a broader strategy to reduce congestion at platforms, which often peaks during festival seasons due to the influx of travellers and accompanying visitors. The approach is designed not only to improve commuter experience but also to enhance safety in line with modern urban crowd management principles. According to senior railway authorities, monitoring and data collection during past festivals have highlighted the need for proactive measures, including temporary restrictions, improved signage, and increased staffing. “The railways appeal to passengers to plan their travel in advance and cooperate with station staff to ensure smooth operations during the festive season,” said an official overseeing passenger services.
Urban transport experts highlighted that crowd management interventions like these align with the city’s long-term sustainability goals. By minimising uncontrolled gatherings on platforms, authorities reduce risk of accidents and help maintain orderly, energy-efficient station operations. They also emphasised the need for public compliance to ensure effectiveness. The temporary restrictions will coincide with augmented passenger information systems, including digital announcements and real-time updates at stations. This enables passengers to make informed decisions regarding entry points and travel schedules, minimising unnecessary station crowding.
The measure demonstrates a growing trend among urban transport authorities in India to integrate operational efficiency with public safety, inclusivity, and environmental consciousness. By controlling platform congestion, the railways can maintain a more organised flow, reducing stress on station facilities and indirectly lowering energy consumption linked to crowd management. As Mumbai prepares for its festival season, the coordinated initiative by Central and Western Railway divisions underscores a pragmatic, citizen-focused approach to urban mobility. Passenger cooperation, along with these regulatory steps, will be vital in ensuring that stations remain safe, accessible, and orderly during one of the city’s busiest travel periods.
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