New Delhi: In the wake of a tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that claimed 18 lives, the Indian Railways has embarked on a mission to revamp its crowd management strategies. Led by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, a high-level meeting was convened to address the pressing need for enhanced safety and reduced congestion at major railway stations across the country. This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring smoother operations and safeguarding passengers during peak travel periods.
Permanent Waiting Areas: To tackle overcrowding, the Ministry of Railways will establish permanent waiting areas outside 60 major stations. Pilot projects are already underway at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Patna. These areas will hold passengers until their trains arrive, significantly reducing platform congestion.
Access Control and Ticket Management: Access control systems will be implemented, allowing only passengers with confirmed tickets to enter platforms. Those without tickets or with waiting list tickets will be directed to the waiting areas, while unauthorized entry points will be sealed. Station directors will have the authority to regulate ticket sales based on station capacity and available trains, further preventing overcrowding.
Wider Foot Over Bridges (FOBs): The railways will construct wider FOBs, measuring 12 meters and 6 meters in width, to facilitate smoother crowd movement. These designs were proven effective during the Maha Kumbh festival.
Enhanced Surveillance and Communication: A large number of cameras will be installed at stations and surrounding areas to monitor crowds closely. Additionally, war rooms will be set up at major stations where officers from all departments will coordinate crowd management efforts. Advanced communication equipment, including walkie-talkies and announcement systems, will be deployed to improve real-time coordination.
Station Directors and Staff Uniforms: Senior officers will be appointed as station directors at major stations, empowered to make financial decisions on the spot. Staff members will receive new uniforms and ID cards, making them easily identifiable during emergencies.
These measures aim to transform the passenger experience by ensuring safety, efficiency, and smooth operations at India’s busiest railway stations.
