Indian Railways has temporarily suspended platform ticket sales at 15 major stations across the country, including key hubs in Delhi and Mumbai. The restriction, effective until October 28, 2025, aims to streamline passenger movement, prevent overcrowding, and ensure safe boarding and deboarding amid Diwali and Chhath Puja travel peaks.
Railway officials clarified that exceptions will be made for senior citizens, ailing passengers, children, and women requiring assistance, in line with Railway Board guidelines. The measure reflects a growing focus on crowd management and passenger safety during high-traffic periods. The list of affected stations encompasses major travel nodes such as New Delhi Railway Station, Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar Terminal, Ghaziabad, Bandra Terminus, Vapi, Surat, Udhna, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Thane, Kalyan, and Panvel. For stations with the highest footfall—CSMT, Dadar, LTT, Thane, Kalyan, and Panvel—the suspension commenced from October 16, allowing authorities to pre-emptively manage the anticipated rush.
Passenger officials emphasised that such measures are vital in maintaining orderly operations during peak travel times. With festive travel, school holidays, and state-specific celebrations coinciding, congestion at platforms and ticket counters can pose significant safety risks. By limiting platform access, railways aim to reduce crowding and provide a safer, more efficient travel experience for commuters. Complementing this initiative, Northern Railway has completed a permanent holding area at New Delhi Railway Station’s Ajmeri Gate side. This facility, capable of accommodating up to 7,000 passengers, is designed to manage increased foot traffic, ensuring smoother passenger flow and enhanced crowd control during festivals. Railway experts noted that infrastructure enhancements, combined with operational measures like platform ticket restrictions, form a crucial strategy to prevent accidents, minimise delays, and improve overall passenger experience.
Railway authorities have urged passengers to plan travel accordingly and cooperate with staff to ensure safe and seamless journeys. While temporary, these restrictions underscore the railways’ commitment to adopting proactive crowd management strategies and highlight an evolving approach to passenger-centric service during high-demand periods. As India’s rail network continues to balance operational efficiency with safety and convenience, measures such as temporary platform ticket suspensions signal a strategic alignment with sustainable, equitable, and passenger-focused travel solutions.
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