Following the recent stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus, Western Railway (WR) has introduced new measures to manage crowding and ensure passenger safety. Effective immediately until November 8, WR will impose penalties on passengers exceeding the permitted luggage limits for their travel class. The railway urged passengers to carry only necessary items, in line with train schedules and luggage guidelines.
According to WR’s guidelines, each passenger is allowed a specified amount of luggage without additional charges, depending on their class of travel. Larger items, such as scooters, bicycles, or packages exceeding dimensions of 100 cm x 100 cm x 70 cm, are not covered under this free allowance and will incur penalties if taken on board.
“Western Railway urges all passengers to avoid overcrowding at stations and adhere to luggage limits to facilitate smoother movement on platforms,” stated a WR release on Tuesday.
This move comes as parcel bookings surge at key stations including Bandra Terminus, Vapi, Valsad, Udhna and Surat during the festive season, creating additional congestion on platforms. WR has now advised that parcels should not be stacked on platforms long before a train’s scheduled departure, as it obstructs passenger movement and poses a safety risk.
WR also implemented temporary restrictions on platform ticket sales at major stations, in effect until November 8, as part of crowd management efforts.
Last Sunday, a stampede at Bandra Terminus left 10 people injured as passengers rushed to board the Gorakhpur-bound Antyodaya Express.