During festive seasons, Pune station sees over 2 lakh passengers daily, straining existing infrastructure. A permanent holding area is under construction and slated for completion by December 2026, aiming to streamline passenger flow and improve safety.

  • Festive footfall surpasses 2 lakh passengers daily.
  • A permanent holding area is under construction, expected by December 2026.
  • New facility includes pre‑ticketing, ticketing and post‑ticketing zones with full amenities.

Pune Railway Station, which handles an average daily footfall of 1.72 lakh passengers, experiences a surge beyond 2 lakh during festivals, often overwhelming its infrastructure during Diwali, Chhath and other peak periods.

To address this recurring crunch, the Pune Railway Division is building a permanent holding area on a 5,800‑sq‑meter railway plot near the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus stop outside the station, replacing the current temporary setup near the parcel office.

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The new facility is designed as a three‑part system: pre‑ticketing, ticketing and post‑ticketing zones. The pre‑ticketing zone will house a booking office and ATVMs, while the ticketing and post‑ticketing zones will provide ample seating.

It will be equipped with a public announcement system, train display boards, telecom infrastructure, toilets, drinking water points, security scanners, a CCTV network, a firefighting system, and a rooftop solar power setup. About 580 sq m in front of the building is earmarked exclusively for passenger drop‑off, pick‑up and pedestrian movement to keep the approach free of congestion.

The project, costing ₹22.13 crore, is already underway with foundation work completed. It runs alongside the dismantling of the existing parcel office and the construction of a new one as part of Pune station’s broader decongestion plan.

Passengers have urged authorities to expedite the project, noting that the first wave of festive travel starts in October, well before the expected December completion.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Pune station’s growing crowd poses serious safety and operational challenges. A permanent holding area will streamline passenger movement, reduce bottlenecks and enhance overall travel experience.

"The construction of a permanent holding area at Pune station is a critical step toward improving passenger safety and convenience," says railway infrastructure specialist Dr. R. K. Sharma.
Did You Know?: Pune Railway Station is among the busiest in India, handling over 1.5 lakh passengers daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will the new holding area be fully operational?
A1: It is expected to be ready by December 2026.

Q2: Will the new area provide amenities beyond ticketing?
A2: Yes, it will include toilets, drinking water, security scanners and a rooftop solar power system.