Indian Railways is planning to build special holding areas at 76 major stations across the country to manage the heavy rush during festivals and holidays. Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed that these facilities should be ready before the 2026 festive season. The goal is to reduce congestion on platforms and ensure passenger safety.
What facilities will be available in these holding areas?
These high-tech holding areas will be designed to accommodate 5,000 to 6,000 passengers at a time. To make the wait comfortable, the railway will provide several basic and modern amenities:
- Comfortable seating and high-speed fans
- Drinking water and separate toilets for men, women, and divyangjan
- Additional ticket counters and Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs)
- CCTV surveillance, luggage scanners, and door frame metal detectors
- Electronic train information boards and public address systems
How will the entry and crowd control work?
The railway will implement a strict entry system to keep platforms clear. Passengers with confirmed reserved tickets will be allowed to go directly to the platform. However, passengers without tickets or those on the waiting list will be asked to stay in the holding area. This model was successfully tested at New Delhi Railway Station, where a holding area near Ajmeri Gate handled 8,000 passengers during Diwali and Chhath.
Who will manage these operations?
The Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA) will appoint expert consultants to improve crowd management across North, East, West, and South Railway zones. A senior officer will be appointed as the Station Director at major stations with financial powers to take quick decisions. Additionally, ‘War Rooms’ will be set up at crowded stations for better coordination between different departments, and new foot-over bridges of 6 to 12 meters width will be built.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which stations will get these holding areas?
Holding areas will be developed at 76 major stations across India, including Anand Vihar and Hazrat Nizamuddin. New Delhi station already has a successful model.
Who is allowed to go directly to the platform?
Only passengers with confirmed reserved tickets will be allowed direct platform access. Others, including waiting list passengers, will stay in the holding area.
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