Platform Ticket Sales Suspended at six major railway stations in Delhi-NCR from November 3 to November 14, 2026, as Northern Railway prepares for the heavy passenger rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja.
The temporary restriction aims to reduce unnecessary crowding and make it easier for passengers to board and leave trains safely.
The decision affects six important stations, including New Delhi, Delhi Junction, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Ghaziabad and both Anand Vihar stations.
However, the Railways has made special exemptions for people accompanying passengers who need assistance.
The restrictions are part of a broader crowd-management plan during the festive travel season, when thousands of people are expected to travel to their hometowns, particularly in states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Platform Ticket Sales Suspended at These 6 Stations
According to the Northern Railway announcement, platform ticket sales will remain suspended from November 3 through November 14, 2026, at the following six railway stations:
New Delhi Railway Station
Delhi Junction (Old Delhi Railway Station)
Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station
Ghaziabad Railway Station
Anand Vihar Terminal
Anand Vihar Halt
Passengers should keep these restrictions in mind if they are planning to visit these stations to accompany relatives or friends travelling during the festive period.
The temporary suspension is intended to discourage unnecessary entry onto platforms.
During major festivals, family members and friends often accompany passengers to railway stations, increasing the number of people inside already crowded station premises.
The restriction will help railway authorities manage passenger movement and provide more space for people who are actually travelling.
Who Is Exempted From the Platform Ticket Ban?
Although platform ticket sales have been stopped at these stations, the Railways has provided exemptions for people who need to accompany certain passengers requiring assistance.
According to Northern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, suitable exemptions will be provided to people accompanying elderly, sick, specially abled and illiterate passengers.
Women passengers who require assistance are also covered under the exemption arrangements.
This means that people helping passengers who cannot travel independently or need support during their journey will not be treated in the same way as ordinary visitors.
The exemption is important for families travelling with elderly relatives, people with disabilities and passengers who may require additional help with boarding, luggage or navigating crowded stations.
However, passengers and their accompanying family members should check with railway staff about the applicable entry arrangements before reaching the station.
Why Has Indian Railways Taken This Decision?
The main reason behind the temporary restriction is the expected increase in passenger traffic during Diwali and Chhath Puja.
During the festive season, railway stations in Delhi witness heavy crowds as migrant workers, students, employees and families travel to their hometowns.
The additional presence of people who are not travelling can make platforms, foot overbridges, entrances and waiting areas even more crowded.
Such congestion can create difficulties for passengers trying to reach their coaches on time. It can also make crowd movement and emergency management more challenging for railway authorities.
By restricting platform ticket sales, Northern Railway aims to limit unnecessary platform access and prioritise passengers with confirmed travel requirements.
Railway Introduces Additional Crowd-Control Measures
Apart from suspending platform ticket sales, Northern Railway has introduced additional arrangements to manage the festive rush.
A permanent passenger holding area has been created outside Platform 16 at New Delhi Railway Station, towards the Ajmeri Gate side.
The facility is intended to accommodate passengers before they are allowed to move towards the platforms.
The Railways is also deploying security personnel, including Railway Protection Force staff, to regulate passenger movement and prevent overcrowding.
Temporary restrictions have also been announced on departmental parcel bookings and parcel loading and unloading at selected stations during the festive period.
At New Delhi, Delhi Junction and Anand Vihar Terminal, restrictions on departmental parcel booking will remain in force from November 3 to November 15.
Loading and unloading of parcels at selected stations will also face restrictions from November 5 to November 15, subject to specified operational exemptions.
At Hazrat Nizamuddin, parcel-related restrictions will apply during the notified period, with certain operational exemptions.
Passengers will be permitted to carry their personal luggage in passenger coaches. Registered newspapers and magazines will also be allowed under applicable public safety conditions.
These arrangements are intended to reduce congestion and help railway authorities maintain smoother movement during the busy festival period.
Travellers planning to board trains from Delhi-NCR between November 3 and November 14 should check their station arrangements in advance.
Those accompanying elderly, sick or specially abled passengers should also confirm the applicable exemption procedure with railway staff.
