Image Source: NewsOnAir
In a key move to ensure smooth passenger management at one of India’s busiest rail hubs, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited New Delhi Railway Station to assess the ongoing construction of a new, permanent holding area. The visit comes as part of a broader push to modernize Indian Railways and enhance capacity, safety, and passenger convenience, especially during high-traffic periods like festivals and holidays.
Key Highlights of Minister’s Visit and Project Overview
The holding area is being built towards the Ajmeri Gate side of New Delhi Railway Station with a focus on crowd control during festival seasons, holiday rush, and major events.
Minister Vaishnaw directed officials to expedite the work, emphasizing early completion to facilitate better crowd management for the upcoming busy travel periods.
The holding area is structured into three well-planned zones: Pre-Ticketing, Ticketing, and Post-Ticketing, supporting a seamless flow of passengers from entry to boarding.
A New Blueprint for Crowd Management
Pre-Ticketing Area: Spread over 1,950 sq m, designed to hold up to 2,700 passengers during peak hours, providing space to wait before buying tickets.
Ticketing Area: Covers 2,288 sq m, accommodating 3,100 people and streamlining queues with 22 ticket counters and digital displays.
Post-Ticketing Area: Covers 1,570 sq m with space for 1,350 passengers, along with queuing systems, security checks, and baggage scanning for a controlled progression to platforms.
The holding area features essentials like public address systems, AI-based surveillance cameras, luggage scanners, separate restroom blocks, and integrated signage for passenger guidance.
Seamless Metro connectivity and electronic information boards are being installed to strengthen intermodal transfers and real-time guidance.
Construction Challenges and Progress
The current construction has required relocating multiple facilities: moving ATM counters, mobile towers, electric high masts, prepaid taxi stands, and Delhi Police cabins—reflecting the complexity and scale of the upgrade.
Despite logistical challenges, significant progress has been made, with the project divided in clear phases to minimize disruption and support ongoing rail operations.
Passenger-Centric Facilities and Safety Initiatives
Enhanced safety protocols, guided flows via colour-coded enclosures and arrows, upgraded CCTV monitoring, and increased staff training are all introduced to prevent overcrowding and ensure orderly movement.
Real-time monitoring systems and staff presence are in place for situational awareness, especially during unexpected surges or operational delays.
The design incorporates universal access, clear signage for all age groups, and amenities to make travel hassle-free for families, senior citizens, and diversely-abled passengers.
Broader Redevelopment Plans and National Rail Vision
The holding area is a part of a ₹2,469 crore redevelopment plan for New Delhi Railway Station, promising new waiting areas, retail spaces, upgraded platforms, tunnels, flyovers, and green-building infrastructure.
Ministry of Railways plans similar permanent holding areas at 60 high-traffic stations nationwide, aiming for robust crowd control and passenger safety after tragic events like the recent stampede.
The redevelopment will be executed in phases, maintaining continuous rail service and minimizing inconvenience to passengers.
Conclusion: Modern Rail Travel, Improved Experiences
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s site review highlights the Indian Railways’ commitment to global standards of passenger safety, operational efficiency, and comfort. The new holding area at New Delhi Station, with its smart zoning and integrated amenities, sets the template for future upgrades across the network, reflecting a responsive and ambitious approach to the challenges of modern transport.
Sources: Indian Express, Deccan Herald, News18, Ommcom News
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