Northern Railway has temporarily stopped the sale of platform tickets at five major stations in the Delhi-NCR region to manage heavy passenger traffic during the Diwali and Chhath festivals. The suspension, in effect from October 15 to October 28, 2025, is intended to prevent overcrowding and ensure smoother movement on platforms. Exceptions are allowed for individuals accompanying senior citizens, differently-abled passengers, illiterate travelers, and women, who can obtain tickets at enquiry counters. The step reflects the railway's ongoing efforts to enhance safety and streamline operations during peak festival periods.
Northern Railway has put a temporary halt on the sale of platform tickets at New Delhi, Old Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar, and Ghaziabad stations to address the expected surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals. This measure, effective from October 15 to October 28, 2025, aims to prevent overcrowding and maintain smooth operations at these busy stations.
Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northern Railway, explained that the decision was taken keeping in mind the anticipated increase in passengers during the festive period. He added that the suspension will help ensure passenger safety and reduce congestion on station platforms.
Despite the suspension, specific groups are allowed to purchase platform tickets. These include individuals accompanying senior citizens, differently-abled persons, illiterate passengers, and women. These travelers can obtain tickets at the station enquiry offices, ensuring that assistance and accessibility are not affected.
Northern Railway has previously taken similar measures during festive seasons, including managing entry points and crowd flow, to prevent accidents and maintain order. This step is part of a broader strategy to improve passenger management and safety during peak travel periods. Passengers are advised to plan their travel and cooperate with staff for a comfortable journey.
Source PTI
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