At least 10 people were injured in a stampede in Mumbai on Sunday as hundreds tried to board a train to head back to their native places for the festive season.
In lieu of the upcoming festive season, the sale of platform tickets has been suspended at New Delhi and Anand Vihar railway stations till November 7 as part of the special crowd management and control measures announced by the Northern Railways and the Delhi Rail Division on Sunday.
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This came hours after at least 10 people were injured in a stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra railway station that took place when hundreds were trying to board a Gorakhpur-bound train to head to their native places for the upcoming festivals of Diwali and Chhath puja.
“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 (NDLS) and Anand Vihar… (till) 07.11.2024,” a release issued by the Northern Railways said.
“A designated holding area has been set up in NDLS (Ajmeri Gate side) and Anand Vihar railway 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,” it said.
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The Delhi Rail Division has temporarily closed direct entry from the Delhi metro skywalk to the foot overbridge during this rush 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.
The sale of platform tickets has also been suspended during the festive season to decongest the stations. The 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,” the release said.
Central Railways Restrict Ticket Sale After Stampede
Earlier on Sunday, Central Railways imposed a temporary restriction on sale of platform tickets at major stations to reduce festival crowding, hours after the stampede. In a release issued during the day, CR said the platform ticket sale restrictions will be in force in Chhatrapati Shivjai Maharaj Terminus, Dadar, Kurla LTT, Thane, Kalyan, Pune and Nagpur stations with immediate effect.
”The restriction imposed to manage anticipated crowding during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festive season will be there till November 8. This step aims to manage crowding on platforms and ensure smooth passenger movement within station premises,” the release stated.
”Senior citizens and those with medical needs, however, are exempted from these restrictions. Passengers are urged to adhere to the new regulations for smooth and safe travel experience during the festive period,” it added.
(with inputs from PTI)
