New Delhi: In a bid to enhance passenger safety and manage crowds more efficiently, the Indian Railways conducted a successful trial of crowd control measures at New Delhi Railway Station. This initiative was prompted by a recent stampede that highlighted the need for better crowd management. On a Saturday, the Railways restricted unreserved passengers to a single platform for Maha Kumbh special trains, ensuring a smoother experience for both reserved and unreserved passengers.
The trial was closely monitored by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was assisted by Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar and other senior officials from the War Room at Rail Bhawan. Minister Vaishnaw noted that the experiment was successful in preventing overcrowding on other platforms and facilitating a hassle-free journey for devotees heading to Kumbh Mela. The trial involved scheduling trains based on demand and managing unreserved ticket sales to maintain crowd control.
Senior officials from Northern Railway were present at the station to assess the situation on the ground. The trial resulted in the operation of five unreserved special trains to Prayagraj between 2:30 pm and 11:30 pm, catering to the surge in crowds over the weekend. The Railways monitored unreserved ticket sales closely, scheduling trains when the number of passengers reached around 2,500. Passengers were directed to wait in a holding area before being allowed onto Platform No. 16 through a single gate.
The success of this trial is expected to inform future planning for managing crowds during large events. The initiative reflects the Railways’ commitment to providing convenient travel options for pilgrims visiting the Maha Kumbh.
