NEW DELHI – Indian Railways has implemented a series of temporary measures at six key Delhi railway stations to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the Diwali and Chhath festive season. These measures, in effect from November 3 to November 14, primarily include the suspension of platform ticket sales and new restrictions on parcel bookings.
Platform Ticket Suspension to Ease Crowding
The sale of platform tickets has been halted at New Delhi, Delhi Junction, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Ghaziabad, Anand Vihar Terminal, and Anand Vihar Halt stations. This decision, announced by Northern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, aims to significantly reduce non-essential crowding on platforms, thereby ensuring smoother movement for bonafide passengers.
During this period, only individuals holding confirmed train tickets will generally be permitted to enter the platforms. The suspension applies across all sales channels, including ticket counters, mobile applications, and automatic ticket vending machines.
However, exemptions are in place for individuals accompanying elderly, sick, specially-abled, and illiterate passengers, as well as women requiring assistance. These accompanying persons may be granted platform access as needed to provide support.
New Permanent Holding Area at New Delhi Station
To further streamline passenger flow, a permanent passenger holding area has been established outside Platform 16 on the Ajmeri Gate side of New Delhi Railway Station. This facility, known as the Yatri Suvidha Kendra (Permanent Holding Area), is designed to regulate passenger entry to platforms and can accommodate approximately 7,000 passengers at any given time.
Equipped with baggage scanners, additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, 150 toilets for men and women, ticket counters, automatic ticket vending machines, and free RO drinking water facilities, this new area aims to enhance pre-boarding comfort and manage large crowds more effectively. It replaces the temporary tents previously used during festive periods.
Restrictions on Parcel Bookings
In addition to passenger movement controls, Northern Railway has also announced temporary restrictions on parcel traffic at major Delhi railway stations. At New Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal, and Delhi Junction, departmental parcel booking restrictions are in force from November 3 to November 15, 2026. Furthermore, the loading and unloading of all types of parcels, including leased SLRs, leased VPs, demand VPs, and advance VPs, will be restricted from November 5 to November 15.
At Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, departmental parcel booking and parcel loading/unloading restrictions are applicable from November 5 to November 8, 2026. Passengers are advised that during this period, they will only be permitted to carry personal luggage in passenger coaches. The booking of registered newspapers and magazines will be allowed, subject to public safety considerations.