Lok Sabha Question No. 836 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-04
Subject: Permanent Yatri Suvidha Kendras
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sanjay Dina Patil, Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 836

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.02.2026

## PERMANENT YATRI SUVIDHA KENDRAS

## 836. PROF. VARSHA EKNATH GAIKWAD: SHRI SANJAY DINA PATIL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Railways has identified major railway stations in Maharashtra particularly in Mumbai suburban sections for establishment  of  Permanent  Yatri  Suvidha  Kendras  (YSKs)  among  the 76 high-density stations selected across the country;
- (b) if so, the details in Mumbai and the timelines fixed for commissioning, station-wise;
- (c) whether the Government is aware that several high-footfall stations in Mumbai continue to face chronic overcrowding, inadequate passenger assistance, poor signage and weak emergency response systems and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether these factors were considered during station selection and if
- so, the details thereof;
- (e)  whether  station-specific  safety,  risk  and  crowd-flow  studies  were conducted  prior  to  approval  of  YSKs  in  Mumbai  and  if  so,  the  details
- thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (f) whether the proposed YSKs adequately staffed and equipped with 24×7 facilitation counters, medical and emergency  units and real-time CCTV/AI-based monitoring and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (f):  Indian  Railways  take  various  measures  for  crowd  handling from  time  to  time  based  on  the  requirements  of  the  station.  With  a view to handle significant passenger surges at stations, holding/waiting  areas  are  created  outside  stations  to  ensure  limited access  control  whereby  passengers  are  allowed  only  when  the  train comes  to  the  platform.  Several  other  measures  for  handling  large crowds  include  other  access  control  measures  like  direct  access  to the  platforms  for    passengers  with  confirmed  reserve  tickets  only  , restricting Passengers without a ticket or with a waiting list ticket to the  outside  waiting  area,  sealing  of  all  unauthorized  entry  points, ticket  checking,  wider  FOBs  with  ramps,  CCTV  cameras,  war  rooms, improvement  to  announcement  systems,  digital  communications  etc. which is a continuous and ongoing exercise.

76  major  stations  have  been  identified  across  the  country  for creation of holding/waiting areas which includes 7 railway stations in Maharashtra  namely  Mumbai  Chhatrapati  Shivaji  Maharaj  Terminus( Mumbai CSMT), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Dadar, Nagpur, Nashik Road and  Pune  over  Central  Railway  and  Bandra  Terminus  Station  over Western Railway.

The major traffic over Mumbai area consist of suburban passengers  and  the  requirements  are  different  from  non-suburban traffic.  For  decongestion  on  platforms  at  major  stations,  work  of construction of elevated decks (holding areas above existing platforms)  at  Ghatkopar,  Dombivali,  GTB  Nagar  (Guru  Tegh  Bahadur Nagar ), Govandi and Neral stations has been undertaken by Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Limited(MRVC).

RITES  has  been  engaged  for  carrying  out  Master  Planning  for crowd control measures at identified railway stations.

The redevelopment of Mumbai CSMT station includes improving passenger flow with new FOBs, skywalks, and a spacious concourse, enhancing  smooth  movement  of  passengers  and  accessibility  for people  and  to  ease  congestion.  Segregation  of  suburban  and  non suburban traffic  is  being  done  at  Kalyan.    Station  improvement  work under  Station  Area  Traffic  Improvement  Scheme  (SATIS)  has  been undertaken at  Thane  station  to  ensure  smooth  integration  with  road transport for better dispersal of crowds. Signages  have  been  provided  at  stations  for  information  of passengers  and  smooth  passenger  movement.  Public  Announcement System is available at stations round the clock and regular announcements are ensured. Train indicators boards are also installed at  all  stations  to  inform  passengers  of  train  details  which  is  very crucial in suburban traffic. Public  Announcement  System  is  also  available  inside  the  local trains to inform passengers about the next station and other important information  pertaining  to  their  travel.  In  addition  to  this,  suburban trains  have  information  boards  at  the  front  and  rear  with  details  of destination, type of train, number of coaches and location of coach for Divyangjans.  Ambulances  have  been  stationed  at  major  stations  and information of nearby hospitals has been provided at stations to ensure medical assistance to accident victims within the golden hour.

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