Indian Railways has launched a new initiative to simplify ticketing and travel assistance at New Delhi Railway Station with the introduction of the Yatri Suvidha Kendra. This passenger facilitation centre is part of a broader revamp aimed at improving convenience, accessibility, and real-time support for travelers across major stations.
Key Highlights From The Rollout
- The Yatri Suvidha Kendra will serve as a one-stop solution for ticketing, travel queries, and on-ground assistance
- Services include ticket booking, cancellation, platform guidance, train status updates, and help with senior citizen and differently-abled passenger support
- Staffed by trained personnel, the centre will operate round-the-clock and offer multilingual support to cater to diverse passenger needs
- Digital kiosks and mobile integration are being introduced to allow self-service options and reduce wait times
- The initiative is part of Indian Railways’ Smart Station program, which aims to modernize infrastructure and enhance passenger satisfaction
Strategic Context
- New Delhi Railway Station handles over 500,000 passengers daily and is a key hub in India’s northern rail network
- The Yatri Suvidha Kendra is expected to reduce congestion at ticket counters and improve overall station flow
- Similar centres are planned for other high-traffic stations including Mumbai CST, Howrah, Chennai Central, and Secunderabad
Passenger Impact
- Travelers will benefit from faster ticketing, real-time train updates, and personalized assistance for special needs
- The centre will also help tourists and first-time travelers navigate the station more efficiently
- Emergency support and lost-and-found services will be integrated into the facility’s offerings
Outlook
- Analysts view the move as a step toward global standards in railway passenger services
- The initiative complements ongoing upgrades such as station beautification, AI-powered surveillance, and digital signage systems
- Indian Railways is expected to expand the Yatri Suvidha model to Tier 2 cities in the next phase of implementation
Sources: Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways, Times of India