Following the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that resulted in the loss of 18 lives, including five children, the Ministry of Railways has announced a series of strict crowd control measures at 60 major railway stations across India to prevent such incidents in the future.
On Friday, after a high-level meeting chaired by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the ministry outlined a comprehensive plan to manage passenger movement more effectively at key railway hubs. Recognizing the need for better infrastructure and efficient crowd management, the government has decided to create permanent waiting areas outside 60 railway stations that frequently experience heavy footfall. These stations have been identified as high-risk locations for overcrowding, particularly during peak travel seasons and special events.
To assess the feasibility of these measures, pilot projects have already commenced at five major railway stations: New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Patna. These stations, known for their high passenger traffic, will serve as testing grounds for the implementation of new crowd-control strategies before nationwide adoption.
Under the newly proposed system, passengers will only be allowed to access platforms when their trains are about to arrive. This measure aims to reduce congestion on platforms, ensuring a smoother and safer boarding experience. Additionally, at the selected 60 railway stations, access to platforms will be strictly limited to passengers holding confirmed reserved tickets. Unauthorized individuals will not be allowed onto the platforms, and all unauthorized entry points will be sealed to prevent overcrowding and ensure security.
To further enhance safety and facilitate the smooth movement of passengers, the Ministry of Railways has developed two new standardized designs for foot overbridges (FOBs). These bridges will come in two sizes: 12 meters (40 feet) and 6 meters (20 feet) in width. Equipped with ramps for easy accessibility, these wider FOBs have already proven effective in managing large crowds during the Maha Kumbh and will now be systematically installed at all major railway stations to improve passenger flow.
The Ministry has also decided to deploy an extensive surveillance network across railway stations and surrounding areas. This network will include real-time monitoring through a large number of surveillance cameras strategically placed to track crowd movements and detect potential risks before they escalate into dangerous situations. Additionally, war rooms will be established at large railway stations where officers from multiple departments will work together during peak crowd situations to ensure smooth operations and swift response to emergencies.
To further streamline station management, each major railway station will now have a designated senior officer in the role of station director. This official will be granted financial and administrative authority to make immediate decisions regarding station improvements, including crowd management, maintenance, and passenger services. The station director will also have the power to regulate ticket sales based on the station’s capacity and the availability of train services, ensuring that stations do not become excessively crowded beyond their handling capacity.
The announcement of these new measures comes in the wake of the horrifying stampede that took place at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night, leaving 18 people dead and several others injured. The incident occurred around 8 PM on two platforms where passengers were eagerly waiting to board trains to Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh festival was being held. The initial investigation conducted by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) indicated that the stampede was triggered by conflicting and misleading announcements about the departure platform of a special train to Prayagraj, leading to mass confusion and panic among travelers.
In response to the tragedy, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident. The inquiry aims to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the stampede and to identify any lapses in communication or crowd control measures that may have contributed to the disaster. The government has assured that appropriate actions will be taken to hold those responsible accountable and to implement further improvements based on the investigation’s findings.
The Ministry of Railways is determined to prevent similar incidents in the future by implementing these stringent measures. With better infrastructure, real-time monitoring, and controlled access to platforms, the government aims to create a safer and more efficient railway experience for passengers across India. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to public safety and efficient crowd management, ensuring that railway stations remain well-organized and secure even during peak travel periods.