The Indian Railways has approved the construction of permanent passenger holding areas at 75 additional stations nationwide, including major terminals in Mumbai, as part of a push to enhance commuter safety and comfort. The initiative aims to improve crowd management, particularly during peak travel periods and festive seasons, following lessons learned from previous incidents and pilot projects.
A senior Western Railway official explained that the rollout builds on the success of a pilot holding area established earlier this year at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS). That facility proved effective in easing passenger congestion during high-traffic events, such as the Maha Kumbh Mela earlier in 2025, where a stampede tragically highlighted the need for permanent crowd management solutions. Key stations under Central Railway scheduled for upgrades include Mumbai CSMT, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Dadar, Nagpur, Nashik Road, and Pune. Western Railway will introduce new holding areas at Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Udhna, Surat, Ahmedabad, Ujjain, Vadodara, and Sehore. All facilities are expected to be operational before the 2026 festive season, ensuring readiness for peak passenger flows.
The design of the holding areas will be modular, allowing flexibility to accommodate the unique layout of each station. Planned features include adequate seating, clean toilet facilities, medical booths, “May I Help You” counters, ticket scanning zones, drinking water points, enquiry counters, and digital train indicators. Each area will be divided into ticketed and non-ticketed sections to improve efficiency while maintaining clear circulation paths. An official involved in the project highlighted that the new facilities will be supported by upgraded security systems and crowd management measures. “These permanent holding areas will provide passengers with safer, more comfortable spaces to wait, while significantly easing congestion at busy stations,” the official said.
Industry experts note that Indian Railways has increasingly prioritised passenger-centric infrastructure as urban populations swell and train travel continues to grow. Modular holding areas represent a scalable solution to address both safety and convenience, reflecting a broader push towards modern, sustainable, and inclusive public transport infrastructure. The initiative also aligns with national goals for safer, more equitable cities, reducing the risks associated with overcrowding while promoting smoother mobility. With improved crowd management and enhanced amenities, commuters at some of the country’s busiest railway hubs can expect a more secure and stress-free experience.
Also Read: BMC Fines Mumbai Driver 2.65 Lakh For Coastal Road Railing Damage
