No Entry at Pune Railway Station Except for Those With Confirmed or RAC Tickets
In a significant move to enhance crowd management and ensure passenger safety, the Pune railway station has introduced new rules restricting platform access to only those passengers with confirmed or RAC (reservation against cancellation) tickets. Passengers holding waiting list or general tickets will now be required to wait in designated waiting areas, which are currently being set up at the station.
This decision comes as part of a larger initiative by the Railway Board to streamline crowd distribution and prevent accidents at 60 major railway stations across the country. Pune, being one of the busiest stations, has been included in the first phase of implementation due to its high passenger load, especially during peak travel seasons.
Designated Waiting Areas for Enhanced Safety
The Pune railway administration has identified four locations within the station premises to establish waiting areas. One of these will be an open space near the ‘VIP side,’ while another will be situated near platform number six. These areas aim to provide a safe and organized space for passengers with waiting list or general tickets until they are allowed to board their trains.
Swapnil Neela, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, explained, “Pune station handles a massive number of passengers daily, and special trains often see overcrowding. This new system will help us manage the flow of passengers more effectively and reduce the risk of accidents.”
Systematic Boarding for General Ticket Holders
Once passengers with confirmed tickets are seated in their respective coaches, those with waiting list or general tickets will be allowed to purchase tickets within the waiting area. A special queue will be formed for these passengers, monitored by ticket inspectors and Railway Protection Force (RPF) constables. They will be systematically accommodated in general or other available coaches to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Anand Saptarshi, a member of the Regional Advisory Committee for Central Railway, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “With increasing footfalls expected in the coming days, it is crucial to have proper crowd management measures in place. Setting up waiting areas is a step in the right direction to prevent any untoward incidents,” he said.
Expansion to Other Major Stations
Apart from Pune, the new platform access rules will also be implemented at three other major railway stations: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, and Nagpur. This phased approach aims to test the effectiveness of the system before expanding it further.
The Pune railway administration’s decision has been welcomed by many passengers who often face challenges due to overcrowding. However, some have raised concerns about the timely setup of waiting areas and the availability of adequate facilities. Authorities have assured that these issues will be addressed promptly to ensure a seamless experience for all passengers.
As the new system rolls out, passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and arrive at the station well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
