Ahead of Diwali and Chhath, the Western Railway (WR) has temporarily restricted the sale of platform tickets at four major stations to prevent overcrowding and ensure passenger safety, officials said on Monday.
Stations affected and duration
The restriction will be in effect from October 15 to 31 at the Bandra Terminus in Mumbai and the Vapi, Udhna, and Surat stations in Gujarat. The move comes as WR anticipates a surge in passenger movement during the festive travel season.
Safety concerns
Last year, during the festive period in October, nine passengers were injured in a stampede at Bandra station while rushing to board a train. Officials said the new measure aims to avoid similar incidents and maintain smooth crowd movement within station premises.
Exemptions allowed
The WR release clarified that exemptions will be made in genuine cases, including individuals assisting senior citizens, women passengers, specially-abled persons (divyanjan), illiterate passengers, or anyone requiring special care.
Passenger advisory
WR officials appealed to travelers to plan their journeys in advance and cooperate with railway staff to ensure safe and orderly crowd management. The railway also urged passengers to avoid unnecessary presence on platforms during peak hours to prevent overcrowding.
Conclusion
With festivals like Diwali and Chhath drawing large crowds, the temporary restriction on platform ticket sales is a proactive measure by Western Railway to safeguard commuters and maintain order at major stations.