New Delhi, February 20, 2025 – The Delhi High Court has pulled up the Indian Railways for selling excess tickets beyond the carrying capacity of trains, following a recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. The Court has directed the Railway Board to examine the concerns raised in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in response to the tragic incident.
Background of the Incident
The stampede occurred earlier this month when overcrowding at the station led to chaos among passengers trying to board long-distance trains. Reports suggest that the excessive issuance of unreserved tickets contributed significantly to the situation, as desperate travelers scrambled to secure a spot on already packed trains. The incident has raised serious concerns about passenger safety, particularly in peak travel seasons when thousands rely on Indian Railways for affordable transportation.
Court’s Observations and Concerns
A bench of the Delhi High Court questioned the rationale behind the Railways’ practice of issuing more tickets than the available capacity of trains. The Court expressed concern over the lack of a systematic approach to managing passenger flow, which has led to hazardous situations at major railway stations across the country.
“Why do you sell excess tickets when you know the trains have a limited capacity?” the bench asked, emphasizing that this practice not only endangers passengers but also leads to frequent stampedes, overcrowding, and discomfort during travel. The Court underscored the need for urgent reforms in ticketing policies and crowd management strategies.
Railway Board’s Response and Court Directions
The Railway Board has been directed to examine the issues raised in the PIL and submit a detailed response on measures being taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The Court has asked for a review of:
- The ticketing system, particularly the sale of unreserved tickets.
- The feasibility of capping ticket sales based on train capacity.
- The implementation of crowd control mechanisms at major railway stations.
- Safety protocols to prevent stampedes and other travel-related hazards.
The Court also emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to regulate
passenger flow, suggesting improvements such as real-time tracking of train
occupancy and stricter enforcement of booking limits.
The Larger Issue of Railway Overcrowding
Indian Railways, one of the largest rail networks in the world, faces persistent challenges in managing passenger volumes, especially during holiday seasons and festivals. The sale of general and unreserved tickets often exceeds the available space, forcing passengers to travel in unsafe conditions. While the introduction of online bookings and reserved compartments has eased the problem to some extent, unreserved travel remains a major concern for millions who rely on budget-friendly train travel.
Experts argue that better infrastructure, additional train services, and stricter regulations on ticketing could help mitigate such risks. However, with rising demand and limited resources, Indian Railways faces a tough task in balancing affordability and safety.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s intervention could lead to much-needed reforms in railway ticketing policies. If the Railway Board implements stricter ticketing regulations and improves passenger management, incidents like the New Delhi station stampede may be prevented in the future. The case will be closely watched as the Court reviews the Railways’ response and determines the next course of action.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to overcrowding and travel hazards across India’s vast railway network.
About Author
Amita K Pradeep, A law graduate with a B.A. LL. B (Hons) from Ramaiah College of Law, Bangalore with having hands-on experience in legal research, drafting, and client counselling through five diverse internships. Proficient in civil, criminal, and intellectual property law. She also holds certifications in Intellectual Property Rights and Commercial Litigation. Fluent in English, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam. Amita is passionate about IPR while also eager to explore other areas of law.
