Railway authorities halt platform ticket sales at New Delhi Station after stampede

In the wake of a tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that claimed 18 lives, the Northern Railway has announced a temporary suspension of platform ticket sales. The ban will be enforced daily from 4 PM to 11 PM until February 26 to manage crowd control and prevent further incidents.

The stampede occurred on Saturday night around 10 PM, leading to a chaotic situation as hundreds of passengers rushed towards the platforms. Several individuals sustained injuries, and the tragedy has sparked urgent discussions on passenger safety and crowd management at one of India's busiest railway hubs.

Confirming the decision, Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, CPRO, Northern Railways, stated, "The suspension of platform ticket sales from 4 PM to 11 PM at New Delhi Railway Station has been implemented for the next week to manage crowd control." This move aims to reduce congestion and enhance security measures at the station.

Security has been intensified following the incident. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been deployed alongside Delhi Police to control crowds during peak hours. Senior officials are conducting inspections to identify risk factors, ensuring such incidents do not occur again. CRPF personnel will remain stationed at the railway station for the entire week.

In response to the tragedy, Indian Railways has announced compensation for the victims and their families. The families of deceased passengers will receive Rs 10 lakh each, while those seriously injured will get ₹2.5 lakh, and those with minor injuries will receive Rs 1 lakh. Officials have also urged passengers to follow safety guidelines and avoid unnecessary crowding at platforms.

This is not the first time such a measure has been taken. Overcrowding at railway stations, especially during peak travel periods, has been a recurring issue. Similar platform ticket restrictions were imposed in December 2024 at 14 major stations, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and Solapur. Authorities believe temporary suspensions help regulate passenger movement and reduce risks during high-traffic hours. Passengers have been advised to plan their station visits accordingly.