There will be no sale of platform tickets at New Delhi, Old Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar and Delhi Sarai Rohilla railway stations till November 6 in anticipation of a heavy rush of travellers heading to their homes for Diwali and Chhath Puja, Northern Railways has said.
The move comes as 10 people were injured in a stampede at Mumbai's Bandra Terminus railway station on Sunday after hundreds were trying to board a Gorakhpur-bound unreserved train to travel to their native places for the upcoming festival season.
Platform tickets will also not be available at Ghaziabad Junction railway station till November 6. However, persons coming to the stations just to assist the aged, illiterate and women passengers, who are not in a position to fend for themselves, have been exempted from this restriction, Northern Railways said.
CROWD CONTROL MEASURES IMPLEMENTED
Northern Railways has announced the implementation of special crowd management and control measures at New Delhi and Anand Vihar railway stations till November 7 in view of the upcoming festive season.
"In anticipation of high passenger volumes during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals, the Delhi Division of Northern Railway has implemented special crowd management and control measures at New Delhi Railway Station and Anand Vihar till November 7," Northern Railways said in a press release.
A designated holding area has been set up at New Delhi station (Ajmeri Gate side) and Anand Vihar station circulating area, equipped with additional ticket counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines, enquiry counters, 'May I Help You' desk, catering services, drinking water and mobile toilets to enhance passenger convenience.
The Delhi Rail Division has temporarily closed direct entry from the Delhi metro skywalk to the foot overbridge linking both the stations during the period.
Besides, some trains such as Bihar Sampark Kranti (12566), Sampoorna Kranti (12394), Vaishali Express (12554) and Purshottam Express (12802) have been temporarily reassigned to specific platforms for better crowd control.
Northern Railways urged passengers to arrive at least an hour before their train's scheduled departure to avoid last-minute congestion and ensure a smooth boarding process.
"Follow the signage at the Ajmeri Gate side circulating area. Assistance is available at the 'May I Help You' counters or from railway staff stationed throughout the area to help facilitate a comfortable journey. We request passengers to adhere to these temporary measures and thank them for their cooperation," it said.
Source: ANI