Platform Ticket Suspension at Major Railway Stations
Indian Railways suspends platform ticket sales at key stations in Delhi and Mumbai to manage Diwali and Chhath Puja festive crowds.
To tackle the massive surge in passenger numbers during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals, Indian Railways has announced a temporary platform ticket suspension at several high-traffic stations. This strategic move is designed to ensure passenger safety, manage heavy congestion, and streamline boarding and deboarding procedures during the peak festive period.
Western Railway: Mumbai and Gujarat Stations Affected
Under the Mumbai Central Division, Western Railway has implemented strict restrictions to mitigate overcrowding. The suspension of platform ticket sales will apply to the following stations from November 1 to November 15, 2026:
- Bandra Terminus
- Vapi
- Valsad
- Udhna
- Surat
- Bhestan
Vineet Abhishek, the Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), has issued an appeal to the general public. He urged travelers to refrain from visiting platforms unless absolutely necessary and to cooperate with the administration's crowd management protocols to ensure a smooth journey for all.
Northern Railway: Delhi-NCR Stations Under Restriction
The Northern Railway has also tightened security and access in the Delhi-NCR region to prevent stampedes and chaos. From November 3 to November 14, 2026, platform ticket sales will be suspended at these major terminals:
- New Delhi
- Delhi Junction
- Hazrat Nizamuddin
- Ghaziabad
- Anand Vihar Terminal
- Anand Vihar Halt
During these specified dates, platform access is largely restricted to passengers holding confirmed travel tickets.
Who is Exempt from These Rules?
Recognizing that some passengers require assistance, the railway administration has provided specific exemptions. Platform access will still be permitted for individuals assisting:
- Elderly passengers
- Sick or ill individuals
- Specially-abled passengers
- Illiterate passengers
- Women passengers requiring support
Enhanced Security and Crowd Management Measures
To maintain order amidst the festive rush, Central Railway and other zones have also implemented measures to reduce platform density. Beyond the suspension of ticket sales, the following actions are being taken:
- Increased Personnel: Additional staff from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) have been deployed.
- Holding Areas: Special holding areas have been established at select stations to manage waiting crowds.
- Parcel Curbs: In certain instances, temporary curbs have been imposed on parcel services to further reduce congestion on the platforms.