Delhi Stations Tighten Security: New Rules for Diwali & Chhath Rush
Northern Railway suspends platform ticket sales and introduces special trains to manage the Diwali and Chhath festival rush at Delhi stations.
Northern Railway has announced a massive overhaul of crowd management and security protocols at major Delhi stations. This move is designed to handle the expected surge in passenger numbers as travelers head home for the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals.
New Holding Areas and Platform Ticket Restrictions
To prevent dangerous overcrowding on platforms, Northern Railway is establishing new holding areas at Old Delhi (Delhi Junction) and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations. These areas will follow the successful model used at New Delhi Railway Station, utilizing temporary structures where permanent ones are unavailable to ensure orderly boarding and movement.
In a significant move to control congestion, the sale of platform tickets will be suspended at the following stations from November 3 to November 14, 2026:
- New Delhi
- Old Delhi
- Hazrat Nizamuddin
- Anand Vihar Terminal
- Anand Vihar Halt
- Ghaziabad
Strict Parcel Booking and Loading Rules
To further streamline station operations during the festive peak, the railway has imposed strict restrictions on parcel movements:
- Departmental parcel booking: Prohibited at New Delhi, Old Delhi, and Anand Vihar Terminal from November 3 to November 15.
- Loading and unloading of parcels: Restricted at these same locations from November 5 to November 15.
Festival Special Trains for Bihar Travelers
Recognizing the high demand for travel toward Bihar, Northern Railway has introduced several 'Festival Special' services to accommodate passengers:
- Gaya to New Delhi: A bi-weekly service running from November 7 to November 28.
- Patna to Anand Vihar: A daily service operating from November 5 to November 21.
- Muzaffarpur to Anand Vihar: A weekly service scheduled for November 21 and November 28.
Enhanced Security and Emergency Readiness
Security operations are being heavily reinforced by the Railway Protection Force (RPF). A total of 2,040 personnel have been deployed across Delhi stations, which includes an additional 1,300 staff members specifically for this period.
Stations have been equipped with essential safety and assistance tools, including:
- Metal detectors and baggage scanners at entry points.
- Dedicated 'May I Help You' booths for passenger assistance.
- Ambulances on standby at stations to respond to any medical emergencies.