Northern Railway Bans Platform Tickets at 6 Delhi-NCR Stations
Northern Railway suspends platform ticket sales at six Delhi-NCR stations from Nov 3-14, 2026, to manage Diwali and Chhath Puja crowds.
To tackle the massive surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming festive season, Northern Railway has announced strict crowd control measures across six major stations in the Delhi-NCR region. To manage the heavy rush expected during Diwali and Chhath Puja, the railway will implement significant restrictions on platform access and parcel services starting from November 3, 2026, until November 14, 2026.
Strict Access Control at Key Terminals
In an effort to reduce congestion and ensure passenger safety, the sale of platform tickets has been completely suspended at several high-traffic stations. During this period, access to station platforms will be restricted exclusively to passengers holding confirmed train tickets.
The suspension applies to the following stations:
- New Delhi
- Old Delhi (Delhi Junction)
- Hazrat Nizamuddin
- Anand Vihar Terminal
- Anand Vihar Halt
- Ghaziabad
This crackdown on non-passenger access covers all booking channels, including physical ticket counters, mobile applications, and Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs).
Exemptions for Vulnerable Passengers
Recognizing the needs of certain travelers, Northern Railway has provided specific exemptions. Assistance and access will be permitted for individuals accompanying:
- Elderly passengers
- Sick individuals
- Specially-abled (Divyang) passengers
- Illiterate passengers
- Women requiring assistance
Parcel Service Disruptions and Security Upgrades
Beyond passenger movement, the railway is also imposing temporary curbs on parcel operations to maintain order at terminal facilities.
Curbs on Parcel Booking and Loading
The following restrictions will be in place to manage the logistics load:
- Departmental Booking: Restricted from November 3 to November 15 at New Delhi, Old Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, and Hazrat Nizamuddin.
- Loading and Unloading: Operations will be restricted from November 5 to November 15 at major terminals, with limited exceptions for the Hazrat Nizamuddin VP siding and Anand Vihar Terminal's washing and stabling lines.
Enhanced Safety at New Delhi Station
To help manage the flow of travelers, a permanent passenger holding area has been established at the New Delhi railway station near the Ajmeri Gate. This facility is equipped with baggage scanners and will be supported by an increased deployment of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to ensure order and security.
"These measures are essential to ensure passenger safety and manage congestion by reducing the presence of non-passengers at terminal facilities," stated Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Northern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer.