Railway authorities across the national capital have restricted station entry to manage intense passenger movement during the ongoing festive season. With heavy travel demand toward states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha for Diwali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Puja, Northern Railway has put special operational measures in place. To regulate congestion inside premises and avoid potential stampede-like incidents, the sale of platform tickets has been suspended starting 3 November across key passenger hubs in Delhi.
Six Key Stations Covered Under the Ticket Suspension
The temporary freeze on platform ticket counters remains effective from 3 November through 14 November. The directive applies to six primary stations across the Delhi metropolitan area that handle heavy outbound traffic: New Delhi, Old Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar Terminal, Anand Vihar Halt, and Ghaziabad. Halting platform entry passes ensures that only passengers with confirmed or valid travel reservations occupy boarding areas during peak rush hours.
Assistance Exemptions for Seniors and Vulnerable Travellers
While the broader public cannot purchase entry passes to see off friends or family, provisions have been made for passengers who require physical assistance. Northern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay clarified that relatives assisting vulnerable passengers will receive suitable exemptions from the platform access restrictions. He stated that reasonable allowances will be extended to attendants assisting senior citizens, disabled individuals, patients, illiterate travellers, and women who require help reaching their designated train coaches.
Permanent Holding Enclosure Set Up at Ajmeri Gate
To ease platform pressure at New Delhi Railway Station, officials have added a permanent passenger holding facility outside platform number 16 on the Ajmeri Gate side. Unlike previous festival seasons when temporary tents accommodated overflow crowds, this structure is now permanent. The newly constructed waiting sector operates in addition to the existing 6,000 square metre passenger amenity centre located nearby.
Travellers arriving from the Ajmeri Gate entrance are directed into this designated holding space before proceeding to their trains. Dedicated baggage scanners and thorough security checkpoints have been installed to screen luggage smoothly without clogging entryways. In addition, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been stationed in greater numbers to oversee crowd flows and maintain orderly movement.
Strict Restrictions on Commercial Parcel Bookings and Handling
To keep platform pathways and circulating corridors clear of large cargo piles, authorities have enforced strict limits on parcel operations. Departmental bookings remain suspended from 3 November until 15 November. Furthermore, between 5 November and 15 November, all loading and unloading of commercial parcels will be prohibited across New Delhi, Old Delhi, and Anand Vihar Terminal.
A few designated exceptions have been permitted to prevent operational gridlock. Parcel handling will continue uninterrupted along the washing and stabling lines at Anand Vihar Terminal. At Hazrat Nizamuddin, parcel handling bans apply between 5 November and 15 November, but the station VP siding remains exempt from this restriction. Additionally, logistics arrangements for registered newspapers and magazines have been exempted to ensure uninterrupted circulation.
