Railway Ministry Unveils Overhaul Plan For Crowd Management After New Delhi Stampede Tragedy

Following the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which claimed 18 lives and left over a dozen injured, the Railway Ministry has unveiled a comprehensive plan to overhaul crowd management protocols nationwide.

As part of a six-month initiative, significant upgrades will be made to railway stations in Delhi to enhance passenger safety and improve crowd flow.

These measures aim to prevent overcrowding and ensure smoother movement at the busiest transit hubs.

Starting Monday, the Ministry introduced new measures, including the establishment of designated holding areas at 60 high-traffic stations to control crowds effectively.

Advanced monitoring systems will track passenger density, especially during train delays, to ensure better management.

Specialized training in situational awareness and crisis management will be provided to local railway officials to enhance their response during emergencies.

Continuous Surveillance At Key Railway Stations

The Central Railway War Room will maintain continuous surveillance over 35 key railway stations linked to Prayagraj.

In addition, New Delhi Railway Station has installed 200 new CCTV cameras to improve security.

With passenger numbers reaching as high as 17 lakh during events like Mauni Amavasya, the Railways have implemented strategic measures to manage these surges.

The new system includes colour-coded enclosures and directional arrows to guide passengers toward holding areas more efficiently.

The Ministry also noted that 21 underpasses have been built in the past two years to ease pedestrian movement.

As the majority of Kumbh devotees travel from within a 300 km radius, focused monitoring will deployed at relevant stations in these regions.

Cameras will now also help prevent congestion and unauthorized sitting in staircases and landings.

These proactive steps highlight the Railways’ dedication to passenger safety and effective crowd control, ensuring India’s busy railway stations stay secure and well-organized.

In response to the incident, Delhi Police has deployed six inspector-rank officers at New Delhi Railway Station to further improve crowd control.

These officers, selected for their experience with large crowd management, have previously worked as Station House Officers (SHOs) at the station.

Tragic Stampede At New Delhi Railway Station

The deadly stampede occurred on Saturday night when a sudden surge of passengers waiting for trains to Prayagraj led to panic on the foot-overbridge between platform numbers 14 and 15.

Some passengers slipped while descending, causing a fatal crush.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has initiated an investigation by forming a two-member high-level committee to review the shortcomings.

In response to the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, other stations across the nation have enacted emergency protocols.

Also Read: CRPF & Delhi Police Deployed After Tragic Stampede At New Delhi Railway Station