Commuters at Anand Vihar ISBT and Railway Station are facing massive traffic jams as the Holi festival approaches. Despite previous High Court orders to clear the area, illegal vendors and unauthorized parking have resurfaced, making it difficult for nearly 14 lakh passengers who traveled during the festive season. Local residents have expressed concern over the lack of enforcement as the route between the bus stand and the station has become nearly impassable for pedestrians.
Current Station Restrictions and Crowd Management
To manage the massive crowd during Holi 2026, Northern Railway has implemented several strict measures at Anand Vihar Terminal. The sale of platform tickets is suspended until March 3 to prevent overcrowding, though exemptions exist for those assisting the elderly or sick. Additionally, parcel bookings are halted from March 1 to March 3 to prioritize passenger movement. Temporary holding areas with 15 extra ticket counters and display screens are now functional outside the station to keep the main building clear.
High Court Guidelines and MCD Action Plan
The Delhi High Court had previously declared Anand Vihar a no-vending zone, allowing only 105 certified vendors with mobile carts. However, permanent structures have returned to the footpaths recently. MCD Shahdara South Zone Commissioner Badal Kumar has assured that an anti-encroachment drive will be launched soon to clear the roads. The court has also directed the PWD and MCD to submit a detailed redevelopment and beautification plan for the area by March 10, 2026.
| Service | Status/Restriction | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Tickets | Sale Suspended | Feb 26 – March 3, 2026 |
| Parcel Booking | Completely Halted | March 1 – March 3, 2026 |
| Metro Services | Closed until 2:30 PM | March 4, 2026 |
| Special Trains | 200+ Additional Trips | Ongoing |
Traffic police are currently deployed at pollution hotspots around Anand Vihar to manage the heavy vehicle flow. Passengers are advised to plan for an additional 30 to 40 minutes of travel time when reaching the station due to the congestion caused by unauthorized parking and street vendors. Northern Railway CPRO Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay confirmed that these measures are necessary to ensure the safety of the lakhs of passengers heading to UP, Bihar, and Bengal.
