Railways Implement New Measures for Festival Crowds
The Indian Railways is taking significant steps to manage the expected surge of passengers during festival and Mela periods. A limited Access Control System has been tested, allowing passengers to enter stations only when their trains arrive at the platform. This initiative aims to enhance crowd management and ensure passenger safety at major railway stations across the country.
Permanent Holding Areas at Key Stations
To tackle the heavy influx of passengers during peak travel seasons, the Railways has decided to establish permanent holding areas at 60 stations nationwide. These areas were successfully trialed during the 2024 festival season at major stations such as Surat, Udhna, Patna, and New Delhi. Passengers were only permitted to enter the platforms when their trains were ready for boarding, effectively managing crowd sizes.
Similar arrangements were implemented during the Mahakumbh at nine stations in the Prayag area. Based on the positive outcomes from these trials, the Railways aims to create designated waiting areas at stations that frequently experience large crowds. Pilot projects are currently underway at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Ghaziabad stations. This strategy is designed to contain sudden surges in passenger numbers and improve overall station congestion.
Enhanced Access Control Measures
The Railways plans to implement comprehensive access control at the 60 designated stations. Passengers holding confirmed reservation tickets will receive direct access to the platforms, while those without tickets or on waiting lists will be required to wait in the designated holding areas. Additionally, all unauthorized entry points will be sealed to ensure security and order.
This initiative aims to streamline passenger flow and reduce overcrowding, especially during busy travel periods. By controlling access based on ticket status, the Railways hopes to create a more organized boarding process and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
Infrastructure Improvements for Crowd Management
To further improve crowd management, the Railways is introducing wider foot-over-bridges (FOBs) designed to accommodate larger groups of people. Two new designs, measuring 12 meters and 6 meters in width, have been developed and will be installed at all major stations. These FOBs proved effective during the Mahakumbh, facilitating smoother movement of passengers.
Additionally, the Railways plans to install a significant number of surveillance cameras across all stations and their surrounding areas. This will enable close monitoring of crowd dynamics and enhance security measures. The establishment of ‘war rooms’ at large stations will also allow for coordinated responses during peak crowd situations, with officers from various departments working together to manage passenger flow effectively.
Upgraded Communication and Security Protocols
To ensure efficient communication during busy periods, the Railways will deploy advanced digital communication equipment, including walkie-talkies and announcement systems, at all heavily trafficked stations. Staff members will also receive new identification cards and uniforms to enhance visibility and security during emergencies.
Moreover, the role of station directors will be upgraded, with senior officers overseeing operations at major stations. These directors will have the authority to make on-the-spot decisions regarding ticket sales based on station capacity and available trains. This proactive approach aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smoother travel experience for all passengers.
In preparation for peak travel times, the Railways will also coordinate with local authorities, including the Government Railway Police and local civil administration, to implement station-specific plans. These measures include maintaining a queue system for boarding important trains and deploying security personnel to manage crowds effectively. During periods of anticipated heavy passenger movement, the Railways may restrict entry to stations by halting the sale of platform tickets, allowing only those assisting vulnerable passengers to enter. This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance passenger safety and streamline operations during busy travel periods.
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