GORAKHPUR, Oct. 16 -- With passenger traffic expected to surge during Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath, the North Eastern Railway (NER) has stepped up crowd-management measures at major railway stations, including Gorakhpur and Deoria. As part of arrangements, only passengers holding valid tickets will be allowed onto platforms until October 30. The railway administration has also issued an advisory restricting last-minute changes to train platforms to prevent overcrowding and confusion during the festive rush, particularly at busy stations such as Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Chhapra and Varanasi. Railway officials said holding areas were being developed at major stations to accommodate passengers before their trains arrived. These facilities will be equipped with lighting, public address systems, train display boards, mobile charging points and CCTV cameras. Chief Public Relations Officer Sumit Kumar said the NER was operating several special trains to facilitate passenger movement during festive season. htc...