After Mumbai Stampede, Railways Restricts Sale of Platform Tickets to Manage Festive Rush

New Delhi: The Northern and Western Railways have imposed temporary restrictions on the sale of platform tickets at major railway stations during the festive season. This comes after a stampede at Bandra railway station on Sunday that injured nine people.

In the North, the temporary restrictions on the sale of platform tickets at major railway stations, including New Delhi, Nizamuddin, Ghaziabad, Anand Vihar, and Sarai Rohilla railway stations, to manage crowding and ensure smooth passenger movement. However, senior citizens and individuals with medical needs are exempt from these restrictions. These restrictions are supposed to be in effect until Nov 7, according to an official.

Meanwhile, following the Bandra stampede on Sunday that injured nine people, Western Railways imposed temporary restrictions on the sale of platform tickets at Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra Terminus, Borivali, Vasai Road, Vapi, Valsad, Udhna, and Surat stations.

"In anticipation of heavy crowds during the upcoming festive season, WR has imposed temporary restrictions on platform ticket sales at Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra Terminus, Borivali, Vasai Road, Vapi, Valsad, Udhna, and Surat stations of the Mumbai Division," Western Railway announced on X.

The restriction on platform ticket sales is effective immediately until November 8 covering the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals.

Explaining the incident, Western Railway CPRO Vineet Abhishek said, "Early this morning at Bandra Terminus, as the Bandra-Gorakhpur Antyoday Express, scheduled to depart at 5:15 am, was brought to the platform from the yard, some passengers attempted to board while it was still moving. Two passengers sustained injuries and were hospitalised by railway staff. Western Railway ensures that trains arrive 2-3 hours before departure during festive periods."

Abhishek added that additional ticket counters, adequate GRP, RPF, and ticket-checking staff, as well as measures for safe boarding, have been implemented.

"Despite our efforts, this unfortunate incident occurred. Western and Central Railway have issued 2,300 notifications about additional trains. Extra counters, adequate staff, and multiple information channels are in place to ensure smooth operations during the festive season," he stated.

The injured were admitted to KB Bhabha Municipal General Hospital. 

(Inputs from ANI)