Platform tickets suspended at major Mumbai stations till Nov 15 for Diwali, Chhath rush

Central Railway (CR) has temporarily stopped the sale of platform tickets at five major stations in Mumbai and its surroundings, in view of the crowds expected at stations during Diwali and Chhath Puja. CR said on Wednesday that the restriction will remain in force from November 5 to November 15.

The ban will apply at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Thane and Kalyan stations. The railway said the aim is to prevent crowds from building up on platforms, so that passengers can move comfortably within station premises during the festival days.

Some passengers will, however, be exempt. CR has clarified that platform tickets will continue to be issued to the elderly, ailing passengers, children and women passengers who need assistance. The exemption will be given in line with Railway Board guidelines.

The railway administration has appealed to passengers to plan their travel and station visits accordingly, and to cooperate with railway officials so that movement at stations during the festival rush is safe and trouble-free. The temporary restriction will remain in force from November 5 to November 15.

Western Railway (WR) has also temporarily stopped the sale of platform tickets till November 15 to handle the likely crowds during Diwali 2026 and the coming Chhath Puja festival. An official statement said on Wednesday that the restriction will apply at Bandra Terminus and five major stations of the Mumbai Central division: Vapi, Valsad, Udhna, Surat and Bhestan.

According to the statement, the aim is to reduce crowding on platforms, keep railway operations smooth and improve the safety of passengers boarding and alighting from trains. The statement, issued on Wednesday on behalf of Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek, said the decision was taken as a precaution in view of the expected heavy passenger movement.

Railway officials said platforms get more crowded during festivals, partly because of people who accompany passengers but are not travelling themselves. By temporarily stopping platform ticket sales, WR wants to control entry into station premises and avoid unnecessary crowding.

According to the WR statement, some categories of people will be exempt from the restriction. They include the elderly, pregnant women, passengers with medical problems and people who need special physical assistance. The exemption has been given so that passengers who need support while travelling face no difficulty.