Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday reviewed the progress of passenger holding area projects, or Yatri Suvidha Kendras, being developed at Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi and Udhna Railway Station in Gujarat ahead of the upcoming festival season.
Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna also participated in the review meeting held at Rail Bhawan. The meeting focused on expediting construction, resolving site-related issues and ensuring that the facilities are completed before the expected festival rush.
The review covered civil works, removal of obstructions, utility shifting, structural works, passenger amenities and other associated facilities.
The Yatri Suvidha Kendras are being developed to provide dedicated waiting spaces for unticketed and waiting passengers, thereby reducing congestion on platforms, station circulating areas and approaches during periods of heavy passenger movement.
The facilities will have covered waiting and seating areas, dedicated ticketing counters, separate toilets and washrooms for men and women, drinking water facilities and other essential passenger amenities. They will also be equipped with public address and passenger information systems, CCTV surveillance, security arrangements, adequate lighting, electrical and signalling and telecommunications facilities, display boards and organised passenger circulation.
Anand Vihar Terminal
At Anand Vihar Terminal, the Yatri Suvidha Kendra is being developed in two phases.
The first phase will provide organised holding space for around 4,000 passengers. Work on foundations, plinth beams, structural steel fabrication and other associated components is currently progressing.
The second phase will further increase the passenger-handling capacity, enabling the facility to accommodate around 7,000 passengers after completion.
Udhna Railway Station
At Udhna Railway Station, the Yatri Suvidha Kendra is planned to accommodate approximately 15,000 passengers at a time. Construction work has already made significant progress.
The completed facility will provide improved connectivity between the passenger holding area and platforms, helping streamline passenger movement and manage large crowds within the station premises.
The Ministry of Railways said the two facilities will strengthen Indian Railways’ ability to handle large passenger gatherings safely and efficiently, particularly during peak travel periods and major festivals.
The projects are part of Indian Railways’ efforts to upgrade passenger infrastructure at major stations and improve crowd management, passenger amenities and overall travel experience.
