From controlled platform access to enhanced surveillance: Railways learns from Maha Kumbh, announces crowd-control measures at 60 busy stations

NEW DELHI: In a high-level meeting led by minister of railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday, significant measures have been announced to enhance crowd control at railway stations across the country. These decisions have been made based on the experiences of previous festive seasons and the Maha Kumbh.
To address congestion issues, permanent waiting areas will be created outside 60 railway stations that regularly experience heavy footfall. Pilot projects for this initiative have already commenced at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Patna stations. Under this plan, passengers will be allowed to access platforms only when their train arrives, ensuring smoother movement and reducing overcrowding.
Complete access control will also be implemented at these 60 stations. Only passengers with confirmed reserved tickets will be allowed onto platforms, and all unauthorised entry points will be sealed to enhance security and streamline movement.
Additionally, the Railways has developed two new foot over bridge (FOB) designs, one 12 metres (40 feet) wide and another 6 metres (20 feet) wide. These FOBs, which proved effective during the Maha Kumbh, will be installed at all major stations, improving passenger flow and safety.

Additionally, in a bid to enhance surveillance and security, a large number of cameras will be installed at stations and surrounding areas. These cameras will play a crucial role in monitoring crowd movements and ensuring swift responses to any incidents.
Furthermore, major stations will have dedicated war rooms where officers from all departments will coordinate operations during high-traffic situations.
Also, to quicken the decision-making process, a senior officer will be appointed as the station director at all major railway stations. These directors will be financially empowered to make on-the-spot decisions for improving station operations. They will also have the authority to regulate ticket sales based on the station's capacity and available train services.