Has Ashwini Vaishnaw Approved a Plan for 76 New Passenger Areas?
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Synopsis
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has unveiled an ambitious plan to enhance passenger comfort by developing 76 new holding areas at railway stations nationwide. This initiative, inspired by the success of the New Delhi station's facilities, aims to significantly improve travel experiences ahead of the upcoming festival season in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- 76 new passenger holding areas will be developed at railway stations.
- Completion is targeted before the 2026 festival season.
- Inspired by the successful model at New Delhi Railway Station.
- Each holding area will adopt a modular design tailored to local conditions.
- Enhanced facilities will significantly improve pre-boarding comfort.
New Delhi, Oct 30 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has greenlighted a significant initiative to establish 76 new passenger holding areas across numerous railway stations in the country, ahead of the much-anticipated 2026 festival season.
The initiative stems from the positive feedback received regarding the passenger holding area at New Delhi Railway Station, which greatly improved the pre-boarding experience for travelers, as per an official announcement made on Thursday.
The planned holding areas will adopt a modular design and will be constructed with local conditions in mind. The Union Minister has emphasized that all areas should be finalized well ahead of the 2026 festival season, the statement highlighted.
During the Diwali and Chhath festivities, the New Delhi station effectively managed the high volume of passengers, thanks to its newly established holding area, which was completed within a span of just four months.
The Yatri Suvidha Kendra (permanent holding area) at the New Delhi Railway Station is designed to accommodate around 7,000 passengers simultaneously, significantly improving both pre-boarding comfort and passenger flow.
This facility is strategically segmented into three zones: Ticketing, Post-Ticketing, and Pre-Ticketing, aimed at facilitating smoother passenger movement. The New Delhi station's holding area features over 150 toilets, ticket counters, automatic ticket vending machines, and complimentary RO water facilities.
In addition, Indian Railways operated approximately 7,800 extra trains to accommodate the increased passenger traffic during Diwali and Chhath, and established dedicated War Rooms to oversee the festive rush.
A surprise inspection by Vaishnaw at the New Delhi Railway Station allowed him to assess the arrangements made for passengers during this busy season.
Indian Railways also set up a dedicated “War Room” at Rail Bhawan to monitor the substantial influx of festive passengers. This command center facilitated real-time monitoring and enabled officials to promptly address congestion and passenger complaints, according to the minister.
The war room has transformed into a robust system managing the entire Indian Railways network, with more than 80 war rooms operational at the Railway Board, zonal, and divisional levels, as stated officially.
Point of View
The initiative taken by Ashwini Vaishnaw reflects a committed effort to enhance passenger experience in Indian Railways. By prioritizing infrastructure improvements and focusing on local conditions, this plan demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the needs of travelers, ensuring a smoother experience, especially during peak seasons.
NationPress
31/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new passenger holding areas?
The new passenger holding areas aim to enhance travel comfort and streamline the boarding process for passengers at railway stations, particularly during peak seasons.
When will the new holding areas be completed?
The Union Minister has directed that all holding areas should be completed well before the 2026 festival season.
How many passengers can the New Delhi holding area accommodate?
The Yatri Suvidha Kendra at New Delhi Railway Station can accommodate approximately 7,000 passengers at any given time.
What facilities will be available in the new holding areas?
The new holding areas will include ticket counters, automatic ticket vending machines, toilets, and free RO water facilities.
What measures are in place to manage passenger flow during festivals?
Indian Railways has implemented war rooms to monitor and manage passenger traffic, ensuring efficient responses to congestion and complaints.
