NATIONAL

Railways to Develop 76 Passenger Holding Areas Across India, Says Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

• 30 Oct 2025

Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has approved a plan to develop 76 passenger holding areas at railway stations across India. The decision comes after the successful implementation of the Yatri Suvidha Kendra at New Delhi Railway Station, which efficiently managed the heavy passenger rush during Diwali and Chhath.

According to the Railways Ministry, the new holding areas will feature a modular design and will be constructed with consideration for local conditions. Minister Vaishnaw has directed that all facilities be completed well before the 2026 festival season.

The Yatri Suvidha Kendra at New Delhi Railway Station, a permanent passenger holding area, can accommodate approximately 7,000 passengers at any given time, significantly improving pre-boarding comfort and passenger flow. The facility is strategically divided into three zones – Ticketing, Post-Ticketing, and Pre-Ticketing – to streamline movement within the station. Notably, the New Delhi facility was completed in just four months, demonstrating the potential for rapid implementation at other stations.