New Delhi: In response to the recent stampede incident at New Delhi Railway Station, Indian Railways has introduced enhanced safety measures across several key stations to prevent overcrowding and improve passenger management. These measures include special holding areas, additional deployment of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and controlled platform access at high-traffic railway hubs such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ghaziabad, New Delhi, and Anand Vihar.
A significant step in the safety overhaul has been the creation of holding areas outside platforms, ensuring that passengers wait in designated spaces before being allowed onto the platform based on the scheduled departure of their trains. This initiative is particularly crucial as Indian Railways prepares for a surge in passenger traffic during the final week of the MahaKumbh Mela.
At Ghaziabad station, a dedicated holding area has been established to regulate passenger flow. RPF personnel and barricades are being used to prevent commuters from crossing safety ropes while a train is arriving, ensuring that no one approaches the train before it comes to a complete stop. Similar measures have been implemented at major railway stations such as Anand Vihar, New Delhi, Ayodhya Dham, and Banaras to enhance crowd control and ensure smooth passenger movement.
Northern Railway has created large holding areas to accommodate the increased footfall, with New Delhi station having a 12,710 square feet area, Ghaziabad 4,200 square feet, Anand Vihar 3,800 square feet, Ayodhya Dham 3,024 square meters, and Banaras 1,280 square meters. Other railway zones have followed suit, including North Eastern Railway, which has established similar facilities at Banaras, Gorakhpur, Siwan, Chhapra, and Ballia. East Central Railway has developed holding areas at Rajendra Nagar, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Barauni, Samastipur, Darbhanga, and Gaya, while North Central Railway has expanded spaces at Prayagraj Junction, Naini, and Prayagraj Chheoki to handle the anticipated rush.
Recognizing the challenges posed by large gatherings during the MahaKumbh Mela, Indian Railways has set up both temporary and permanent holding areas at Prayag Junction, Phaphamau Junction, Jhusi, and Prayagraj Rambagh to streamline passenger movement and prevent overcrowding at platforms.
Indian Railways has urged passengers to cooperate with the newly implemented safety measures by following official guidelines, utilizing designated holding areas, and staying updated through official communication channels. With crowd management systems similar to those successfully implemented during peak travel seasons like Chhath Puja and Diwali, these steps are aimed at enhancing passenger safety and convenience. Indian Railways remains committed to providing a safer and more efficient travel experience while reinforcing its role as the backbone of India’s public transportation system.
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