India embarks on upgrading historic railways by setting up permanent passenger holding areas across Mumbai stations aiming to improve passenger comfort and simplify festive travel by 2026

Published October 31, 2025

India’s railways are being developed with permanent passenger holding areas at the busiest stations in Mumbai, designed to reduce congestion and increase comfort before boarding. The Railway Ministry has sanitized facilities at CSMT, Dadar, LTT, Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus, adapting the 6,000-square-metre New Delhi model to the city’s tight spaces. Each site will organize travelers into ticketing, ticketing and departure areas, add restrooms, medical and drinking water kiosks, arrival paths and senior-friendly seating, and use LED lighting and energy-efficient ventilation for sustainability. The introduction of regulated payments to platforms will facilitate flows during peak seasons and reduce safety risks. Permanent modular structures will be built as part of a wider plan across 76 stations under the Central and Western Railway. Trials of temporary areas in CSMT and LTT have shown reduced congestion and cleaner operations. The first phase is scheduled to begin next year, with full readiness targeted before the ceremonial peak in 2026.

Mumbai’s busy railway network is gearing up for a major upgrade, for which the Railway Ministry has approved its construction Permanent passenger holding areas At five of its busiest stations – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Mumbai Centraland Bandra Terminus. The initiative aims to simplify crowd management, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall travel experience for millions of passengers each year.

Inspired by the commuter model of New Delhi

This large-scale project was inspired by New Delhi railway station Successful waiting area system, which has proven effective in managing crowds during the holiday seasons. Delhi model which extends approx 6000 square metersprovides a clear layout for advance ticketing, ticketing and departure, while including amenities such as restrooms, medical kiosks and accessibility features for differently-abled passengers.

The Mumbai version will adopt the same concept but will be more… Tailored to the city’s unique spatial and commuter challenges. Due to the limited space and significantly high footfall, each building will have a customized design that ensures optimal use of available land while maintaining occupant comfort and flow efficiency.

National expansion underway

The initiative is part of a Nationwide railway modernization plancovering 76 major stations under each of Central and Western Railway Zones. Officials stressed that the inclusion of Mumbai in this list highlights its strategic importance as one of the busiest railway hubs in India.

These will be new passenger holding areas Modular and durableEnsuring long-term sustainability. Each facility will act as a pre-boarding buffer zone where passengers can wait comfortably before being allowed to board the platforms in organized groups. This approach is expected Significantly reduce platform congestionEspecially during festive and holiday periods when Mumbai sees an increase in the number of passengers heading to the northern and eastern states.

Designed for efficiency and accessibility

The focus is on design Efficiency, comfort and sustainability. Each holding area will include separate advance ticketing, ticketing and waiting areas, as well as… Toilets, drinking water stations and medical kiosksAnd areas designated for the elderly and passengers with disabilities.

In line with India’s commitment to sustainable development, the infrastructure will be used Environmentally friendly materials, LED lightingand Energy saving ventilation systems. These measures aim to provide a comfortable environment while reducing carbon emissions.

The vision of the Ministry of Railways is to create Comprehensive, accessible and modern facilities Serving passengers of all demographics, it supports India’s drive towards greener and smarter transport networks.

Manage heavy passenger flow

Long distance trains in Mumbai are used by over One thousand passengers dailywith numbers increasing dramatically during festivals such as Diwali and Holi. Temporary holding areas were tested in CSMT and LTT Last year to manage the rush, absorbing approx 1500 and 10,000 passengers respectively. These experiments showed how such spaces could do just that Reduce platform congestion and improved crowd discipline, leading to safer and more relaxing travel experiences.

With permanent structures, the railway plans to implement Organized entry systemPassengers will enter the platforms in timed batches once the trains are ready to board. This method not only prevents overcrowding, but also ensures smoother running of trains, better cleanliness and an improved passenger experience.

Building for the future

The authorities confirmed that the project will be… Fast trackingThe first phase is expected to be operational by Next year. It aims for complete completion before Holiday season 2026This will ensure that the new system is implemented before major peak travel periods.

Once completed, the project will change the way Mumbai’s rail system handles passenger traffic. It will enhance Travel safety, comfort and overall satisfactionproviding a world-class pre-boarding experience similar to that seen at major international railway stations.

India’s railway modernization drive has taken a major step forward with plans to build permanent passenger accommodation zones at Mumbai’s busiest railway stations. The initiative, approved by the Ministry of Railways, aims to reduce congestion, improve safety and enhance travel comfort for millions of passengers daily. Inspired by the New Delhi model, these eco-friendly modular structures will streamline pre-boarding movements, provide better facilities, and ensure smoother travel experiences across major hubs like CSMT, Dadar, LTT, Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus.

A step towards a smarter Indian Railways

Creating permanent passenger holding areas is more than just an infrastructure upgrade – it’s a… A symbol of the evolving identity of Indian Railways. This initiative is consistent with the government’s mission Modernization of railway stations Across the country, combining safety, sustainability and passenger comfort.

By addressing long-standing challenges such as overcrowding and poor waiting conditions, this project is redefining the railway experience in Mumbai for both daily commuters and long-distance travellers.

Once completed, it is expected to serve as Planner for other major citiesAnd help them manage increasing passenger traffic more efficiently. For Mumbai, this marks the beginning of a new era – one in which the world’s busiest suburban and long-distance rail networks finally gain their footing. Comfort, security and order Its long-standing passengers have deserved it.