Pune: In a significant move to streamline passenger flow, Pune Railway Administration has implemented a system where platform numbers for arriving trains will be announced an hour in advance. The decision, effective from Monday (February 17), aims to assist passengers, especially senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and pregnant women, by reducing last-minute rush and confusion at platforms.

The railway authorities undertook a detailed review of Pune station and identified key areas needing improvement. Based on this, Additional Divisional Railway Manager Padmasingh Jadhav directed immediate action.

Under the new system, announcements regarding train platforms will be made at least one hour before arrival, helping passengers plan their movement efficiently. Since platforms are generally pre-assigned based on coach composition, the administration has also advised minimizing any last-minute changes to platform numbers.

Comprehensive Plan for Crowd Management

Apart from early platform announcements, Pune Railway Administration has introduced a series of measures to handle heavy passenger footfall across key stations in the division. These include:

• Identification of the most crowded stations, including Pune, Daund, Miraj, Kolhapur, and Ahilyanagar.

• Implementation of a queue system for passengers traveling in general compartments on trains bound for North India.

• Establishment of designated waiting areas (holding zones) to prevent overcrowding at platforms.

• Expansion of CCTV surveillance networks to enhance monitoring and security.

"A strategic plan has been laid out to efficiently manage passenger flow at Pune station. Officers and Railway Protection Force personnel will be patrolling the premises to ensure smooth operations."

– Padmasingh Jadhav, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Pune