Western Railway stops platform tickets at six stations till November 15 for Diwali-Chhath rush

Western Railway has suspended the sale of platform tickets for now to manage the crowds expected at stations during Diwali 2026 and the coming Chhath Puja. The ban will remain in force till November 15, 2026, according to a statement issued by the railway on Wednesday.

The restriction will apply at Bandra Terminus in the Mumbai Central division and five major stations: Vapi, Valsad, Udhna, Surat and Bhestan. Platform tickets will thus not be available at six stations during this period.

The railway said the decision is meant to reduce crowding on platforms, keep train operations smooth and improve the safety of passengers boarding and alighting from trains.

Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek said in the statement issued on Wednesday that heavy passenger movement is expected during the festival season, and the step has been taken as a precaution.

Railway officials said platforms often get very crowded during festivals, partly because people who accompany passengers but are not travelling themselves also stay on the platform. By halting platform ticket sales for a while, Western Railway wants to control entry into station premises and avoid unnecessary crowding.

Some people have been exempted from the restriction. Western Railway said it will not apply to senior citizens, pregnant women, passengers with medical problems and people who need special physical assistance. The exemption is intended to ensure that passengers who need support while travelling face no difficulty.

Western Railway has appealed to passengers and other rail users not to go into platform areas without reason and to cooperate with the railway administration. According to the railway, the restrictions aim to keep passenger movement safe and hassle-free during the festivals, especially at stations where heavy crowds are expected. The temporary ban on platform tickets will continue till November 15, 2026.

Central Railway has also temporarily stopped the sale of platform tickets at five major stations in Mumbai and surrounding areas. In view of the likely passenger rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja, the ban will be in force from November 5 to November 15, 2026.

Central Railway's restriction will apply at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Thane and Kalyan stations. According to Central Railway, the aim is to keep the number of people coming onto platforms under control and ensure uninterrupted passenger movement.