Indian Railways to Introduce Metro-Style Access Control at Key Stations
Mumbai, India – Indian Railways is set to revolutionize passenger movement by introducing metro-style controlled entry and exit systems at major railway stations, starting with 12 high-footfall locations, including Mumbai’s Andheri, Borivali, and Bandra Terminus.
Aim: Curbing Unauthorized Entry & Enhancing Safety
The Western Railway (WR) has proposed the access control system to the Railway Board, following national directives issued after past stampede incidents. The system will function like metro networks, where electronic ticket validation at dedicated gates regulates entry and exit.
Key objectives include:
✔ Preventing unauthorized access
✔ Improving crowd monitoring
✔ Enhancing commuter safety
✔ Reducing ticketless travel
Mumbai’s High-Traffic Stations Lead the Pilot
Andheri (4.17 lakh daily passengers), Borivali (4.54 lakh), and Bandra Terminus (40,000) face severe congestion, especially during peak hours. The controlled access system will ensure only valid ticket holders enter platforms, minimizing overcrowding and improving emergency response.
Next Steps & Expansion Plans
Currently, the proposal is in its initial stage, with WR identifying stations in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh—including Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Ujjain—for potential implementation.
A WR spokesperson stated, “The Railway Board plans to launch this as a pilot project first. Further details on execution will follow approval.”
If successful, this system could serve as a model for other major railway stations across India, marking a significant step toward modernizing India’s rail infrastructure.
