New Delhi Railway Station Gets Passenger Facility Centre Ahead of Diwali–Chhath Rush

Massive Upgrade at New Delhi Railway Station Before Festive Season

In a major step to improve passenger convenience, Indian Railways has completed the construction of a new Passenger Facility Centre (Permanent Holding Area) at New Delhi Railway Station. The facility, which can accommodate up to 7,000 passengers at a time, is set to ease congestion and improve passenger safety during the Diwali and Chhath festival rush.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected the newly built centre on October 11, 2025, and said it will “greatly benefit travelers during peak festive seasons.” The minister also announced plans to replicate similar permanent holding areas at other major railway stations across the country.

Designed to Handle Heavy Passenger Crowds

Every year, New Delhi Railway Station witnesses a sharp surge in passenger numbers during major festivals such as Diwali and Chhath Puja. At times, overcrowding has led to chaotic situations and even accidents. To prevent such incidents, the Railway Ministry fast-tracked the construction of this modern facility.

The new Permanent Holding Area provides enough space to hold thousands of passengers safely before they board their trains, thereby reducing rush and crowding on platforms. With this setup, travelers can comfortably wait until it’s time to reach their train, minimizing last-minute crowd surges.

7,000-Passenger Capacity with Modern Amenities

The new centre spans a large area and has been designed with efficient crowd management in mind. The ticketing area alone covers 2,860 square meters, followed by a 1,150-square-meter waiting zone and a 1,218-square-meter pre-ticketing area. Each section is physically separated, ensuring smooth passenger flow and preventing bottlenecks.

The facility has been carefully designed to manage up to 7,000 people simultaneously, offering both comfort and safety. According to Vaishnaw, this initiative marks a new phase of modernization for railway infrastructure in the national capital.

Upgraded Ticketing Facilities

To enhance convenience, Northern Railway has set up 22 modern ticket counters and 25 automatic vending machines for faster ticket purchasing. This ensures passengers can buy or collect tickets quickly without standing in long queues.

The station has also created seating arrangements for about 200 passengers, making waiting more comfortable, especially for elderly travelers and families.

Focus on Passenger Comfort and Cleanliness

To make the waiting experience pleasant, the facility includes 18 high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans that maintain airflow even in crowded conditions. A 652-square-meter toilet block has been built for cleanliness and hygiene.

Additionally, RO-based drinking water systems have been installed to ensure safe and free access to clean water. For better communication, 24 speakers have been mounted throughout the facility to announce train arrivals and departures, while three large LED train information displays provide real-time updates on train status and platform numbers.

Safer Travel Experience for Unreserved Passengers

One of the most important aspects of this new project is its focus on unreserved ticket holders, who form a large portion of festive-season travelers. Two years ago, Indian Railways had experimented with temporary holding areas to manage the crowd. After successful results, this permanent facility was developed to provide a safer, organized waiting space for passengers without reserved tickets.

Better Crowd Management During Festivals

The Railway Minister highlighted that this initiative will significantly reduce crowding at station entrances and platforms. Separate zones for ticketing, waiting, and boarding will help maintain order and ensure that even during heavy rush hours, passengers can move safely and efficiently.

The project also aligns with Indian Railways’ broader modernization plan, which includes station redevelopment, smart ticketing, and better passenger information systems.

Final Take

With the festive season approaching, the New Delhi Railway Station Passenger Facility Centre comes as a timely upgrade for India’s busiest station. Its 7,000-passenger capacity, modern ticketing systems, seating areas, and hygienic amenities are expected to make travel smoother and more comfortable for millions of people heading home for Diwali and Chhath celebrations.

This initiative not only ensures crowd-free, safer travel during high-demand periods but also marks another step forward in the Indian Railways’ mission to provide world-class passenger experiences across the country.