Indian Railways to Deploy Holding Areas, AI Surveillance and Access Control Across 76 Stations to Manage Passenger Rush

Indian Railways has announced a major upgrade in passenger crowd management systems, introducing dedicated holding areas, AI-based surveillance, and stricter access control mechanisms across key stations in India. The move aims to reduce platform congestion and improve safety during peak travel periods, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha.

Holding Areas To Be Built At 76 Stations

As part of the initiative, permanent passenger holding areas will be developed at 76 identified railway stations. These zones will serve as pre-entry waiting spaces for passengers and will be equipped with essential facilities such as seating arrangements, drinking water, toilets, ticket counters, information displays, and security screening systems.

A pilot version of this system has already been implemented at New Delhi Railway Station, where the holding area includes automatic ticket vending machines, CCTV surveillance, luggage scanners, electronic train information boards, and improved passenger amenities. Similar infrastructure is currently in various stages of planning and execution across other stations.

Strict Access Control And AI-Based Monitoring

To streamline passenger flow, Indian Railways will implement complete access control at high-footfall stations. Only passengers with confirmed reserved tickets will be allowed direct platform access, while others, including waiting list and unreserved travellers, will be directed to designated holding areas.

In addition, AI-enabled CCTV cameras are being deployed for real-time monitoring of crowd movement. Dedicated control rooms, referred to as “war rooms,” will coordinate responses across departments during peak rush situations. Enhanced digital communication systems, including advanced announcement networks and walkie-talkies, will also support operational efficiency.

Infrastructure Upgrade AndCentralised Station Management

The Railways is also upgrading infrastructure with wider foot-over-bridges measuring 12 metres and 6 metres to improve passenger dispersal. Station Directors at major hubs will be given greater financial and administrative authority to ensure faster decision-making.

All departments operating at stations will now report to the Station Director, creating a unified command structure. Officials will also have the power to regulate ticket sales based on station capacity and train availability to prevent overcrowding.

Conclusion

The large-scale modernisation of crowd management systems marks a significant shift in Indian Railways’ operational strategy. With AI surveillance, controlled access, and upgraded infrastructure, the initiative aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and passenger experience across India’s busiest railway stations.

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