By Admin 
Preparations have been intensified at New Delhi railway station as soon as the festive season draws near. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav recently visited the station and took stock of the new holding area being built towards Ajmeri Gate. He gave strict instructions to the officials that the construction work of this holding area should be completed at the earliest, so that the crowd of passengers can be handled better during the festivals.
Why is the holding area important?
During the festive season, a huge crowd of passengers gather at the New Delhi railway station. To manage this crowd, the railway is building a permanent holding area towards Ajmeri Gate. This step has been taken taking a lesson from the tragic incident during Mahakumbh. At that time, 18 people lost their lives due to stampede at the station. After this incident, the Railways decided to create a permanent holding area at major stations of the country, so that the crowd could be managed and such incidents can be stopped.
What will be special in the holding area?
The holding area of New Delhi railway station is divided into three parts. This will help passengers at every step.
- Pre-ticking area: In this area of 1950 square meters, about 2700 passengers can sit comfortably even in busy times. Here passengers will get the facility to wait before taking tickets.
- Ticketing area: There will be a seating arrangement of 3100 passengers in this area of 2288 square meters. In this part, attention has been given to make the process of taking tickets smooth.
- Post Ticketing Area: This area of 1570 square meters will have space for 1350 passengers. This part will have enough space to take safety checks, goods scanning and queue in this part.
Special facilities for passengers
Railways is going to make this holding area even more convenient for passengers. Many modern facilities will be available here.
- 22 ticket counter: So that time is left in taking tickets.
- 2 toilet blocks: Clean toilets for the convenience of passengers.
- Public Address System: To give information about trains.
- Electronic Display Board: For the time and platform information of trains.
- AI based monitoring cameras: To further strengthen security.
- Luggage scanner: For immediate checking of the goods.
- Signage: To show the right direction to the passengers.
- Metro Connectivity: Easy connections for passengers traveling by metro.
When will the work be completed?
Construction of the holding area is going on fast. The target of the railway is that this work should be completely finished before the festive season starts i.e. by 21 September 2025. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has given clear instructions to the officials that there should not be any delay and passengers should get better facilities.
Also read: Railways made arrangements from Durga Puja to Chhath festival, 150 special trains will run