New Delhi, April 3, 2026: Indian Railways has allocated over ₹34,000 crore for passenger amenities during the last three financial years, with a focus on improving crowd management and enhancing travel experience, Parliament was informed.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, said allocations stood at ₹9,392 crore in FY24, ₹12,884 crore in FY25, and ₹12,018 crore in FY26.
To address congestion, the ministry is developing passenger holding areas at 76 high-footfall stations, with 23 facilities already under progress across states including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
Key stations such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bandra Terminus, Bhopal Junction, Lucknow Junction, and Varanasi Junction are witnessing accelerated upgrades ahead of the festive season.
The railways is also deploying AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, digital communication systems, and centralised war-room monitoring to improve real-time crowd management and ticketing control.
A modern holding area at New Delhi Railway Station has already been commissioned, featuring enhanced amenities such as ticket counters, automated ticket vending machines, surveillance systems, electronic information boards, luggage scanners, improved lighting, RO water facilities, and dedicated sanitation infrastructure.
The ministry is introducing access-controlled entry systems, allowing only passengers with confirmed tickets onto platforms, while others are directed to designated waiting areas outside.
Additionally, standardised wide foot over-bridges (6m and 12m) are being rolled out across stations to ease passenger movement and improve safety.
The initiative underscores Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure, reduce congestion, and deliver a safer and more efficient travel experience.
