With massive crowds expected to travel for Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2025, the Central Railway has put temporary brakes on the sale of platform tickets at several important stations. The restrictions, which begin on December 5, will stay in force at some locations until December 7, depending on the division.

The railways say the move is aimed at preventing overcrowding inside station premises and ensuring that passengers can board and exit trains safely during one of the busiest periods of the year.

Exemptions for Those Requiring Assistance

Even though general platform ticket sales are halted, certain groups will still be allowed to obtain them. These include escorts of senior citizens, ailing travellers, children, illiterate passengers, and women who may need support while travelling.

Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Dr. Swapnil Nila, explained the decision, stating, “Central Railway has imposed temporary restriction on sale of platform tickets at 13 major stations in anticipation of heavy rush of followers travelling on account of Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Persons accompanying Aged persons, Senior Citizens, Ailing persons, Children, Illiterate persons & lady passengers unable to fend for themselves are exempted from these restrictions to ensure ease of travel.”

He urged passengers to plan well and follow the new arrangements to help maintain order and safety.

Stations Where Ticket Sales Are Suspended

December 5–7

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)

• Dadar

December 5–6

Bhusaval Division:
Bhusaval, Nashik Road, Manmad, Jalgaon, Akola, Shegaon, Pachora, Badnera, Malkapur, Chalisgaon

Nagpur Division:
Nagpur

Additional Local Trains to Handle Night-Time Footfall

To address the heavy flow of devotees arriving in Mumbai overnight, the Central Railway will run 12 extra suburban services between the night of December 5 and the early hours of December 6. These special trains will cover the Parel–Kalyan and Kurla–Panvel routes and are scheduled to halt at every station to accommodate passengers travelling through the night.

Special Train Timings

Main Line – UP Trains (towards Parel)

• Kurla–Parel: 00:45–01:05

• Kalyan–Parel: 01:00–02:20

• Thane–Parel: 02:10–02:55

Main Line – DOWN Trains (from Parel)

• Parel–Thane: 01:15–01:55

• Parel–Kalyan: 02:30–03:50

• Parel–Kurla: 03:05–03:20

Harbour Line – UP Trains (towards Kurla)

• Vashi–Kurla: 01:30–02:10

• Panvel–Kurla: 01:40–02:45

• Vashi–Kurla: 03:10–03:40

Harbour Line – DOWN Trains (towards Panvel)

• Kurla–Vashi: 02:30–03:00

• Kurla–Panvel: 03:00–04:00

• Kurla–Vashi: 04:00–04:35

Long-Term Plan to Expand Passenger Holding Areas

In a separate development, the Ministry of Railways has revealed that it is expanding passenger holding zones across the country. After the successful creation of a permanent holding area at New Delhi Railway Station, similar facilities are planned at 75 additional stations. The goal is to have these completed before the 2026 festive season, improving crowd handling at busy hubs.