Indian Railways Big Decision: Platform Ticket Sale Suspended at 5 Delhi Stations

Platform Ticket Ban News: As the holy festival of Holi approaches, a flood of passengers is beginning to pour in at Delhi’s major railway stations. The situation is such that the number of people waiting to see off or receive their loved ones far outweighs those waiting for trains.

If you are planning to drop off a friend or relative at the station in the coming days, stop and read this news carefully. The railway administration has taken a major and strict decision to control the massive Holi crowds and avoid any untoward incidents.

According to the new railway order, platform tickets will not be available at Delhi’s busiest stations from February 26, 2026, to March 3, 2026, to manage congestion. These major stations include New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi (Delhi Junction), Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar Terminal, and Delhi Sarai Rohilla.

Without a valid travel ticket during this timeframe, entering the station solely to see off passengers could prove costly. The administration has taken this step to ensure that only those who truly need to travel are present on the platforms.

During the Holi season, trains heading towards Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are barely accessible. Consequently, when passengers, along with those who are coming to see them off, gather in large numbers on the platforms, there is a risk of a stampede. Sometimes, stations become so crowded that security checks and the punctual running of trains are severely hampered.

The Railways believes that stopping the sale of platform tickets will reduce unnecessary crowding by at least 30 to 40 percent, providing significant relief to passengers trying to board trains with heavy luggage. This decision was taken solely with passenger safety and convenience in mind.

Although the Railways have maintained strict rules, it has also opened avenues for relief for certain categories on humanitarian grounds. If you have arrived at the station to assist an elderly, disabled, illiterate passenger, or a single female passenger, you may be allowed inside on special permission.

To do this, you must explain your situation in detail to the station officials or RPF personnel posted at the entrance. Only if the officials are satisfied with your explanation will you be allowed to access the platform. However, it will be entirely at the discretion of the officials whether they grant you permission or not.

If you are traveling during this Holi, it is crucial to keep a few things in mind to ensure a smooth journey. First, ensure you arrive at the station at least two hours before your train’s scheduled departure time, as security checks and crowds may cause longer arrival times than usual.

Use only the entry gates designated by the administration, and keep your travel ticket and ID ready on your mobile phone to avoid wasting time during checking. Also, try to keep your luggage minimal and light so you can easily navigate the crowds to your coach.