Indian Railways plans to modernise passenger travel by implementing airport-style upgrades at a few stations under the North Central Railway Zone, as per reports. Stations like Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Gwalior will become world-class hubs that provide travellers with a more seamless, airport-like experience thanks to the initiative, which aims to reduce platform congestion and improve operational efficiency.
Airport-Style Baggage Rules for Train Passengers
The implementation of stringent baggage regulations is among the most significant changes. Before being permitted to board the platform, travellers will now need to weigh and scan their bags at electronic weighing machines, just like in the airline industry. The travel class will determine the maximum weight allowed. The permissible baggage limit will depend on the ticket class:
- AC First Class: Up to 70 kg
- AC Two Tier: Up to 50 kg
- AC Three Tier & Sleeper Class: Up to 40 kg
- General Class: Up to 35 kg
Any excess or oversized baggage, even if within the weight limit, is likely to attract additional charges or penalties. This step, officials believe, will not only decongest platforms but also ensure smoother boarding and better space management inside coaches.
Stations Covered in the First Phase
The rollout of these regulations will initially cover prominent stations across the North Central Zone. These include Prayagraj Junction, Prayagraj Chheoki, Subedarganj, Kanpur Central, Mirzapur, Tundla, Aligarh Junction, Govindpuri and Etawah. Among them, Prayagraj Junction is being positioned as the model station for redevelopment, showcasing the future of Indian railway travel.
Prayagraj Junction as the Model Station
As part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Prayagraj Junction is undergoing a massive Rs 960 crore redevelopment. The project will transform the station into a modern transport hub built to make train journeys more convenient and comfortable. Passengers can expect spacious waiting lounges, high-speed Wi-Fi to stay connected, and automated ticket vending machines for smoother bookings. The station will also feature solar-powered systems to cut down on energy use, digital information displays for real-time updates, and rainwater harvesting systems that highlight a focus on sustainability.
In line with airport-style security, from December 2026, entry to the terminal will require a valid train ticket, functioning like a boarding pass, as per reports. Friends or family members who are not travelling will need to purchase a platform ticket, which will act as a “visitor pass.” This measure is aimed at streamlining passenger movement and ensuring that platforms are reserved primarily for travellers.
Retail and Passenger Comfort Upgrades
Beyond infrastructure, Indian Railways is also looking to make the station environment more contemporary by setting up premium single-brand retail outlets. These outlets will not only enhance the shopping and dining experience for passengers but also generate additional revenue, bringing the ambience of railway stations closer to that of modern airports.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
The larger framework driving these developments is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Railways in December 2022. With the aim of redeveloping 1,309 stations across the country, the scheme is focused on providing modern passenger amenities, better-designed traffic circulation, improved inter-modal integration, and clear signage to guide passengers efficiently. At the same time, emphasis is being placed on sustainability through greenery, solar power, and rainwater harvesting, alongside architectural upgrades that make stations visually appealing.
What This Means for Passengers
For passengers, these changes mark a significant shift in what it means to travel by train in India. From baggage checks to digital ticketing and upgraded lounges, the experience will move closer to the standards of air travel while still retaining the affordability and reach of the railway network. The new measures are expected to make train journeys more organised, comfortable and efficient, benefitting millions of travellers every day.
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