Ashwini vaishnaw: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav informed in Parliament on Wednesday (March 26) that several important steps have been taken to improve crowd management at railway stations. These include wide foot-over-bridge, CCTV surveillance and war room arrangements.

Railways have implemented a limited entry control system to control the huge crowd during festivals and fairs. Under this arrangement, holding areas have been created outside the stations, where the passengers are not given entry until the train comes on the platform.

Railways will make permanent holding area at 60 stations

According to the Railway Minister, holding areas were built in Surat, Udhna, Patna and New Delhi during the 2024 festive season. This system was also implemented at nine stations of Prayagraj during Mahakumbh. Based on these experiences, permanent waiting areas will be built at 60 stations across the country.

Now entry to only confirmed tickets at 60 stations

Now complete admission control will be implemented at 60 stations. Only passengers with confirmed reserve tickets will get entry up to the platform, while the waiting list and without ticket passengers will have to stay in the external waiting area. Unauthorized entrances will also be sealed.

More CCTV cameras at stations to increase security

The Railway Minister informed that 12 meters and 6 meters wide FOBs of the new design will be made which will be helpful in crowd management. Also, the number of CCTV cameras will be increased for monitoring all major stations.

War rooms will be built at big stations for mob management

War rooms will be set up at large railway stations where officers of all departments will work coordinated in case of congestion. Walky-talkie, announcement system and digital communication equipment will be installed at all heavy crowded stations.

Railway employees will get new uniform and ID card

New uniform and ID cards will be issued for railway employees so that only authorized people can enter the stations. Station directors will be appointed at major stations who will be given financial rights so that they can take immediate decisions.

Station director right to ticket sales control

Station directors will be empowered to control the sales of tickets according to the station’s capacity and available trains. GRP, local police and civil administration will also be included to ensure security at the stations.

Platform ticket will be available only under special circumstances

Taking a lesson from the recent stampede at New Delhi railway station, railway zonal officers have been empowered to control the sale of platform tickets. However, platform tickets will be issued under certain special circumstances to assist the old, uneducated and women passengers.