Following the stampede at Bandra Terminus on Sunday, October 27, a new holding area has been designated by the Western Railway for unreserved ticket passengers, a senior official has revealed, The Indian Express reported.
This holding area will be used with immediate effect.
A senior Western Railway official explained that the newly created holding area, set up in a 240-square-meter former parking zone beyond the porch, aims to reduce platform crowding by providing a designated waiting space for general coach passengers. The area will be able to accommodate about 500 people. This will cut the need for long queues and crowding on the platform.
The railway police will ensure that unreserved ticket passengers are only allowed to access the platform at the train’s arrival time, preventing early seating on the platform going forward.
The official explained that unreserved ticket passengers frequently arrive far in advance to secure seats, which contributes to platform congestion. During a midnight incident at Bandra Terminus, the arrival of the Gorakhpur train triggered an unexpected rush, prompting some commuters to try boarding while the train was still moving, resulting in injuries. The newly established holding area is intended to prevent such incidents by offering a secure waiting space away from the platform.
This swift measure is an immediate step to enhance passenger safety and manage crowds more effectively, particularly with the expected surge in travelers for the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals, the official added.
The stampede occurred as passengers crowded onto the platform, rushing to board the Bandra-Gorakhpur Express, which arrived at 2:55 am, nearly two hours ahead of its scheduled departure at 5:10 am on Sunday.
Bandra Terminus station handles around 40-50 long-distance train arrivals and departures daily.