In an effort to manage the growing crowd at railway stations during Holi, the Central Railway's Mumbai division has decided to temporarily suspend platform ticket sales at major railway stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Thane, Kalyan, and Panvel.
"This measure aims to control congestion caused by family members and relatives accompanying travelers departing on regular and special trains," said an official.
Every year, thousands of people travel from Mumbai to regions like Konkan, South-East India, and North India during Holi. To accommodate the surge in passengers, the railways have introduced special trains. With many of these trains already operational and more set to depart in the coming days, railway stations are witnessing increased footfall. This rise in passenger movement poses a challenge for security personnel, as overcrowding can lead to stampede-like situations.
"To prevent such occurrences, the Central Railway has strengthened security arrangements at key stations. Measures include continuous monitoring through CCTV cameras, urging passengers not to remain stationary for too long, and making announcements to ensure smooth movement," added the official.
However, exemptions have been granted for senior citizens, patients, and young children, ensuring they are accompanied by caretakers with valid platform tickets.
"The Central Railway administration has urged passengers to cooperate with the new regulations for a safer and smoother travel experience during the festive rush," the official further stated.
