Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A high-level meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding crowd control at stations.
The following decisions were taken in this meeting:
Permanent outdoor waiting areas at 60 stations:
During the 2024 festivals, outdoor waiting areas were created outside stations, which helped in managing heavy crowds at Surat, Udhna, Patna, and New Delhi. Passengers were allowed to enter the platform only when the train arrived. Similar arrangements were made during the Maha Kumbh at nine stations in the Prayag region. Based on these experiences, it has been decided to create permanent outdoor waiting areas at 60 stations across the country, where heavy crowds are seen from time to time. Pilot projects have already started at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Patna stations. This system will help manage sudden rushes in the waiting area, and passengers will be allowed to go to the platform only when the train arrives, reducing congestion at the stations.
Access control:
Complete access control will be implemented at these 60 stations. Only passengers with confirmed reservation tickets will be allowed to go directly to the platform. Passengers without tickets or those with waiting list tickets will wait in the outer waiting area. All unauthorised entry points will be sealed.
Wide foot-over bridges (FOB):
Two new standard foot-over bridges, 12 meters (40 feet) wide and 6 meters (20 feet) wide, have been designed. These wide FOBs and ramps were found to be very effective in crowd management during the Maha Kumbh. These new wide FOBs will be installed at all stations.
Cameras:
Cameras played an important role in crowd control during the Maha Kumbh. A large number of cameras will be installed for surveillance at all stations and surrounding areas.
War rooms:
War rooms will be set up at major stations. In case of congestion, officers from all departments will work together in the war room.
New generation communication equipment:
State-of-the-art digital communication equipment, such as walkie-talkies, announcement systems, and calling systems, will be installed at all stations with heavy crowds.
New design ID cards:
All staff and service personnel will be given newly designed ID cards, allowing only authorised persons to enter the station premises.
New design uniform for staff:
All staff will be provided with newly designed uniforms so they can be easily identified during emergencies.
Upgradation of station director post:
A senior officer will be appointed as the Station Director at all major stations. All other departments will report to the Station Director. The Station Director will also be given financial powers to take immediate decisions for station improvements.
Ticket sales as per station capacity:
The Station Director will have the authority to control ticket sales based on the station’s capacity and the number of available trains.
