Railways Expands Passenger Holding Areas for Diwali 2026 Rush
Indian Railways is expanding 76 passenger holding areas at major stations to manage the massive Diwali and Chhath Puja 2026 festive rush.
To manage the massive influx of travelers during the 2026 Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals, Indian Railways is rolling out an extensive plan to expand passenger holding areas at major stations across the country.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the development of 76 such facilities, known as 'Yatri Suvidha Kendras'. This initiative aims to streamline passenger movement and significantly reduce overcrowding on station platforms during peak festive periods.
Advanced Infrastructure at Major Railway Hubs
The expansion includes several high-capacity, tech-enabled facilities designed to improve the passenger experience and manage crowds more effectively:
- Udhna Railway Station: A massive 10,100-square-meter facility featuring 10 ticket counters and 55 CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition technology. The center will also include a baby feeding room and Divyangjan-friendly toilets.
- Anand Vihar Terminal: Now equipped with 14 dedicated ticket counters to handle high passenger volumes.
- New Delhi Railway Station: A pilot model has been implemented to accommodate up to 7,000 passengers across three distinct zones.
- Ranchi Railway Station: A new holding area with a capacity for 2,500 passengers has been commissioned.
Special Trains and New Vande Bharat Services
To complement the infrastructure upgrades, Northern Railway has scheduled over 6,200 special train trips, marking a 30% increase compared to the previous year. On October 30, 2026, 22 special trains departed from the Delhi area, with another 22 scheduled for the following day.
The festive season will also see the launch of new services on October 31, 2026, including the Amrit Bharat Express and the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. Notably, a new Vande Bharat sleeper service connecting Varanasi and New Delhi is set to be inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Strict Protocols for Crowd Control
In an effort to maintain order, new access protocols have been introduced. Passengers who do not hold confirmed tickets or are on waitlists are now required to remain within the designated holding zones rather than crowding the platforms.
Furthermore, various zones, including the South East Central Railway, are managing operational adjustments such as temporary platform changes and the addition of general coaches. Technology, particularly facial recognition, continues to play a vital role in enhancing crowd control and security at these busy terminals.