Pune Railway Station to Get Airport-Style Holding Area for Passenger Safety
Pune: In a bid to enhance passenger safety and crowd management, Indian Railways has announced the construction of a permanent holding area at Pune Railway Station. The new facility will implement airport-style segregation, restricting direct platform access for unreserved passengers. This move is expected to reduce congestion and prevent stampede-like situations, particularly during peak travel periods.
Construction on the holding area is set to begin soon and is expected to be completed within five to six months. The project aims to regulate passenger movement through three distinct zones: pre-ticketing, ticketing, and post-ticketing. This structured approach will allow for controlled access to the platforms, ensuring a smoother and safer boarding process.
The holding area will be equipped with modern amenities to improve the overall passenger experience. These include multiple ticket counters, automated vending machines, seating areas, VIP lounges, drinking water facilities, toilets, LED information boards, public address systems, CCTV surveillance, and luggage scanners. These features are designed to enhance convenience and security for all passengers.
Pune Railway Station is one of the busiest in the region, recording an average daily footfall of around 1.75 lakh passengers. Hemantkumar Behara, spokesperson for the Pune Railway Division, emphasized the importance of the new facility. “The holding area will significantly reduce platform crowding and ensure safe boarding of trains, especially for unreserved passengers. It will help prevent stampede-like situations, which are a major concern during peak travel times,” he said.
The facility will be constructed on a plot of approximately 70,000 square feet of land near the railway hospital. This area will be cleared of officers' residences and staff parking areas to accommodate the new infrastructure. The railway administration has set a six-month completion target to ensure that the project is completed efficiently and meets the needs of the passengers.
Local residents and frequent travelers have welcomed the initiative. Ramesh Yadav, a daily unreserved passenger traveling to Daund, expressed his concerns about overcrowding during festivals. “Platforms become extremely unsafe, especially for senior citizens and women. If implemented properly, this new system will make boarding much safer,” he said.
Mandakini Pillai, a frequent long-distance traveler, also supported the move, stating that an airport-like system with clear zones would significantly reduce chaos at the railway station. “It will make the entire travel experience more organized and stress-free,” she added.
The implementation of this airport-style holding area is a significant step towards modernizing Pune Railway Station and enhancing the safety and comfort of passengers. It reflects Indian Railways' commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring a seamless travel experience for all commuters.
