New Delhi: In a bid to manage the anticipated surge of passengers during the festive season, Northern Railway has announced the suspension of platform
ticket sales at several key railway stations in the Delhi-NCR region. This decision comes as the country prepares for the celebrations of Diwali and Chhath, which are expected to draw large crowds.
Suspension Period and Stations Affected
The sale of platform tickets will be halted from October 15 to October 28. The following stations will be affected:
- New Delhi Railway Station
- Delhi Junction
- Hazrat Nizamuddin
- Anand Vihar Terminal
- Ghaziabad Railway Station
Exemptions for Special Cases
Northern Railway has made provisions for certain individuals who may require assistance. Those accompanying senior citizens, specially-abled persons, illiterate individuals, and women passengers can approach the enquiry office to obtain a platform ticket. This initiative aims to ensure that vulnerable passengers are not left without support during the busy travel period.Festival Dates and Context
This year, Diwali is set to be celebrated on October 20, followed closely by Chhath, which runs from October 25 to October 28. The festive season typically sees a significant increase in rail travel as families reunite and participate in cultural observances.
Safety Measures in Light of Past Incidents
The decision to suspend platform ticket sales also takes into account safety concerns stemming from previous incidents. In February, a tragic stampede at New Delhi railway station resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people and left many others injured. The chaos ensued during the Maha Kumbh rush when passengers began slipping on a footbridge, highlighting the need for stringent crowd management measures during peak travel times.Similar Measures in Other Regions
In a related move, the Western Railway has also restricted platform ticket sales at major stations in Mumbai and Gujarat from October 15 to October 31. This includes:- Bandra Terminus (Mumbai)
- Vapi (Gujarat)
- Udhna (Gujarat)
- Surat (Gujarat)
These measures aim to ensure smooth passenger movement and enhance safety amid the expected festive rush.
Passenger Advisory
Railway officials have urged passengers to plan their travel accordingly and cooperate with railway staff for orderly crowd management. With the festive season upon us, passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and considerate of others to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.(With inputs from PTI)
