Efforts to Enhance Railway Station Safety and Management

Recent Incident and Immediate Actions

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reported to Parliament about the ongoing investigation into the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15, which resulted in 18 deaths and numerous injuries.

• Decision to introduce complete access control at 60 stations, starting with a pilot at five stations, including New Delhi, Varanasi, and Ayodhya.
• Only passengers with confirmed tickets will be allowed on platforms; unauthorized entry points will be sealed.

Measures for Improved Crowd Management

• Setting up a dedicated war room at different stations to enhance monitoring with more cameras.
• Issuing newly designed identity cards and uniforms for railway staff for easy identification and intervention.
• Appointing station directors with the authority to make swift decisions, including controlling ticket sales based on capacity and availability.
• Constructing permanent waiting areas at busy stations to manage passenger surges.

Additional Recommendations

• Clear communication of train-related information through more digital screens for arrivals and departures.
• Stopping ticket issuance for unreserved categories a few hours before train departure to prevent overcrowding.
• Informing passengers about train delays via text messages to aid better planning.
• Providing advance information on departure platforms and coach positions, avoiding last-minute changes.
• Strict enforcement of stopping unauthorized entry to reduce inconvenience to legitimate passengers.

Conclusion

The Indian Railways, being a crucial part of India's infrastructure, must strive to meet the expectations of travelers by ensuring a safe and convenient experience. The proposed steps, if implemented effectively, could enhance the safety and efficiency of railway stations, particularly during high-traffic periods like festivals.