Mon Feb 17 09:11:48 UTC 2025: **Delhi Railway Station Temporarily Halts Platform Ticket Sales After Stampede**
NEW DELHI—Following a deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15th, 2025, which claimed 18 lives, railway authorities temporarily suspended the sale of platform tickets on Monday to manage crowds. The decision was made in response to a surge in passengers, mirroring the conditions that led to the tragic incident on Platform 13 and 14.
The sale of platform tickets from counters was halted, but online purchases remained available. Officials stated that the measure was a precautionary crowd control effort, particularly during peak hours when special trains depart and large crowds gather for routes like Prayagraj. The suspension was lifted later in the day once crowd levels decreased, with ticket sales resuming until 4 PM. A notice was posted at the station indicating the temporary suspension and the revised hours of sale.
Railway officials clarified that platform ticket sales will be unavailable from 4 PM to 11 PM daily to prevent a recurrence of the overcrowding. The authorities emphasized their commitment to implementing crowd management strategies to ensure passenger safety. The incident prompted questions regarding whether online platform ticket sales should also be restricted during peak periods to further mitigate crowding risks. The temporary suspension is the latest measure implemented following the stampede, with the station administration actively reviewing and improving its crowd control mechanisms.
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