Northern Railways and the Delhi Rail Division have announced special crowd management measures at New Delhi and Anand Vihar railway stations, effective until November 7, 2024, to manage the festive rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja. The announcement follows a stampede at Mumbai's Bandra station, where at least 10 people were injured while boarding a Gorakhpur-bound train.

"In anticipation of increased passenger traffic during the festive season, special crowd control measures have been implemented at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and Anand Vihar," Northern Railways said in a statement.

A designated holding area has been established at the Ajmeri Gate side of NDLS and the circulating area of Anand Vihar station. These areas are equipped with additional ticket counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), enquiry counters, "May I Help You" desks, catering services, drinking water, and mobile toilets to ensure passenger convenience.

To further manage the flow, direct entry from the Delhi Metro skywalk to the station foot overbridge has been temporarily closed. Additionally, specific trains, including the Bihar Sampark Kranti (12566), Sampoorna Kranti (12394), Vaishali Express (12554), and Purshottam Express (12802), have been reassigned to particular platforms to streamline operations.

The sale of platform tickets has been suspended to prevent overcrowding. Northern Railways advised passengers to arrive at least an hour before their train’s scheduled departure to avoid last-minute congestion.

“Follow signage at the Ajmeri Gate side, and assistance is available at the ‘May I Help You’ counters or from railway staff throughout the area,” the statement added, thanking passengers for their cooperation during this busy period.

(ET)