Bhopal : The Bhopal Division of West Central Railway has accelerated efforts to upgrade passenger amenities and modernise ticketing systems across its network. Acting under the guidance of Divisional Railway Manager Pankaj Tyagi, the division has expanded infrastructure to ensure safe, seamless and technology-driven travel for passengers.
The division now provides Wi-Fi connectivity at 85 stations, improving digital access for commuters. Officials said the initiative supports passengers with real-time information, online services and better communication while travelling.
To enhance accessibility, the division has installed 26 lifts at nine key stations, including Bhopal, Itarsi, Vidisha and Bina. Authorities have also sanctioned 37 additional lifts across 14 stations such as Harda, Sant Hirdaram Nagar and Ganjbasoda. These upgrades aim to assist elderly passengers, women and those with reduced mobility.
Escalator facilities have also expanded. At present, 12 escalators operate at four major stations—Bhopal, Itarsi, Narmadapuram and Bina. The division has approved 38 more escalators for seven stations, including Vidisha, Guna and Sant Hirdaram Nagar. Work on two new escalators at Itarsi station is currently underway.
Railway officials have also prioritised structural improvements to ease passenger movement. The division operates 43 foot overbridges (FOBs), while 10 are under construction and 12 have received approval. In addition, 36 road overbridges (ROBs) are functional, 12 are under construction and 31 more have been sanctioned. These projects aim to reduce congestion and improve safety at busy stations and crossings.
The division has simultaneously strengthened its ticketing ecosystem to make services more accessible and efficient. It currently operates 57 unreserved ticket counters and 21 combined unreserved-cum-reserved counters. The network includes 12 computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centres and four PRS facilities at post offices.
अनारक्षित टिकट लेने के लिए ATVM का उपयोग करें—यह तेज, आसान और सुविधाजनक विकल्प है। स्मार्ट यात्री बनें, समय बचाएं। #IndianRailways pic.twitter.com/pSAIIxa2UQ
— DRM BHOPAL (@BhopalDivision) May 6, 2026
To widen access, the division has deployed two Passenger Ticket Facilitation Centres, 25 Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Services and 29 Station Ticket Booking Agents. Additionally, 40 automatic ticket vending machines now enable faster and contactless ticket purchases.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Saurabh Kataria said these initiatives provide improved connectivity, smoother movement and significant time savings for passengers. He added that the division will continue to prioritise passenger convenience and pursue infrastructure development in the coming months.
The Bhopal Division’s sustained push reflects Indian Railways’ broader focus on modernisation and customer-centric services, as it works to meet rising travel demand with efficient and technology-enabled solutions.
