The Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has approved a comprehensive plan to develop 76 passenger holding areas across major railway stations in India, following the success of a similar facility at New Delhi Railway Station.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the new holding areas will be built using a modular design adaptable to local site conditions. The Minister has directed that all facilities be completed before the 2026 festive season, ensuring enhanced passenger comfort and better crowd management during peak travel periods.

The decision follows the positive results achieved at New Delhi Station, which effectively managed the heavy Diwali and Chhath rush through its newly developed Yatri Suvidha Kendra — a dedicated passenger holding area completed within four months.

The Yatri Suvidha Kendra, a permanent holding facility, can accommodate around 7,000 passengers simultaneously, significantly improving pre-boarding comfort, passenger flow, and station efficiency.

Designed for operational convenience, the New Delhi holding area is divided into three zones — Ticketing, Post-Ticketing, and Pre-Ticketing — to streamline the movement of passengers and reduce congestion within the station premises.

The Railways Ministry noted that the new passenger holding areas across India will follow this model, ensuring a uniform passenger experience while incorporating local architectural elements and regional adaptability.

This initiative is part of the Indian Railways’ broader modernisation drive, aimed at enhancing station infrastructure, passenger amenities, and travel efficiency across the network.