After the 2024 stampede scare, Bandra Terminus in Mumbai is set to open a large holding area designed to keep passengers safe and orderly. The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) is overseeing the project, which is slated to be operational before the November Diwali season.

The facility covers 2,625 square metres, with 1,345 square metres dedicated as a pre‑ticketing zone. This area will feature 45 three‑seat benches, five passenger information screens, water coolers, drinking taps, and toilets.

The 285‑square‑metre ticketing zone will host eight Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) counters, ten workstations, and six Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs). A 995‑square‑metre post‑ticketing zone will include two luggage scanners and a ramp exit.

The project, costing ₹16.43 crore, was launched in response to safety measures taken after the October 2024 crush that left 10 injured. Western Railway’s Mumbai Central Divisional Railway Manager, Pankaj Singh, inspected the site in August.

Outside the holding area, bollards, portable signage, reflective lights, and traffic marshals will be installed to prevent unauthorized vehicle entry.

With this new 2,625‑sqm facility, the station’s holding capacity will be significantly increased, reducing passenger concentration on platforms. Currently, BDTS averages 40,000 daily passengers and 22 long‑distance trains.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this initiative could serve as a model for crowd management at major stations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

“Dedicated holding areas can dramatically reduce crowding and improve passenger safety,” says railway policy expert Dr. Riya Shukla.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will the holding area be used only during the Diwali season?
• Does the project’s cost include maintenance and operating expenses?