MARCH 19:Indian Railways is taking significant measures to address the challenges posed by large passenger crowds during festivals and events like the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. To accommodate the growing number of passengers, seven new platforms have been added, increasing the total to 48 platforms across nine stations in the Prayagraj area. Additionally, 17 new permanent Yatri Ashrams have been built, enhancing the holding capacity of these shelters from 21,000 to over 1,10,000. Furthermore, 21 new Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) have been constructed, eliminating all level crossings in the region.
In preparation for the Kumbh, a well-coordinated train operation plan was deployed, with each station having its own control room and a central master control room at Prayagraj Junction. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for train operations and crowd management were developed to ensure smooth operations during the event. Special arrangements, including single entry and exit points and unidirectional movement on platforms, foot over bridges (FOBs), and ramps, were put in place to manage the large influx of passengers.
Security measures were comprehensive, with about 1,200 CCTV cameras deployed, including 116 Face Recognition System (FRS) cameras and drones, for surveillance. Additional personnel, including 15,000 Railway Protection Force (RPF) officers, Government Railway Police (GRP), and para-military forces, were deployed to ensure safety. Specific attention was given to other sensitive railway stations such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, and New Delhi, where a high rush of passengers was expected.
To enhance passenger experience at New Delhi Railway Station, it is undergoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This scheme aims to improve station access, amenities, and passenger services such as waiting halls, toilets, Wi-Fi, and kiosks, with a focus on multi-modal integration, environmental sustainability, and facilities for Divyangjans. The station redevelopment will include larger buildings, a spacious Air Concourse, and a Multi-Modal Transport Hub, along with improved security measures.
To further streamline passenger flow, Indian Railways is creating permanent waiting areas at 60 stations across the country, including New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Ghaziabad. This will help control crowding by allowing passengers to enter platforms only when trains arrive. Additional measures include wider foot-over-bridges, enhanced camera surveillance, war rooms at large stations, new communication equipment, and empowering station directors with financial autonomy to manage ticket sales and station operations effectively.
In the wake of the stampede incident at New Delhi Railway Station on 15th February 2025, where 18 people lost their lives, the Indian Railways is conducting a high-level investigation to improve safety protocols and prevent future incidents.
