Pune: In response to recent crowd control concerns, particularly following a stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra station on Sunday (October 27), the Central Railway has restricted platform entry for non-passengers at seven major railway stations, including Pune.

This measure, which suspends the sale of platform tickets, will be in effect until November 8.

No Entry Stations: Pune, CSMT, Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Thane, Kalyan, Nagpur

At Pune station, around 1.5 lakh passengers travel daily, with an additional 5,000 to 10,000 individuals arriving to see off family and friends, contributing to heavy platform crowding.

With the Diwali season traditionally marking a peak in travel, this influx often escalates congestion, raising concerns over safety. The railway administration has therefore introduced a temporary suspension of platform ticket sales to control the crowd.

Exceptions will be made for those accompanying elderly passengers, individuals with disabilities, or those requiring medical assistance. Platform tickets will be issued only to these individuals, ensuring that essential support can still be provided. The policy took effect Sunday, following the incident in Mumbai.

“This decision to temporarily restrict platform ticket sales was taken with public safety in mind during the festive season,” stated Dr. Milind Hirwe, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Pune.

Pune railway station estimates that around 200,000 to 250,000 passengers are expected to travel in a single day during Diwali season. This surge in passenger traffic is particularly pronounced on trains bound for northern India, including popular destinations such as Danapur, Gorakhpur, and Lucknow.