New Delhi [India], March 19 (ANI): Cabinet Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday that each railway station has unique operational challenges due to varying passenger movement patterns during the festivals.
He mentioned that regarding the safety measures and to streamline passenger flow , station-specific plans are made involving all the stakeholders, including Government Railway Police (GRP), Local Police, and Local Civil Administration, and action is taken accordingly to manage the influx of passengers.
The minister told Lok Sabha in a written reply that to handle the rush of passengers during Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj, new infrastructure was created--seven additional platforms were built, bringing the total to 48 platforms across nine stations in the Prayagraj area.
The approach roads to these stations were widened to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims.
In total, 17 new permanent Yatri Ashryas were constructed, increasing the holding capacity of these shelters from 21,000 to over 1,10,000. Additionally, 21 new Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) have been built, eliminating all level crossings in the region.
A well-coordinated train operation plan was deployed to ensure smooth transportation during the Kumbh. Each station was having its own control room, with a central master control room at Prayagraj Junction. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were developed for train operations and crowd management at stations. To facilitate smooth rush of passenger's flow, extensive measures have been put in place, including single entry and exit points at stations on major Snan days and unidirectional movement on platforms, foot over bridges (FOBs), and ramps.
Security arrangements for Mahakumbh-2025 were comprehensive, with an emphasis on surveillance and real-time monitoring, the minister said.
Approximately 1200 CCTV cameras were utilized altogether, comprising 116 with Facial Recognition Systems as well as drone cameras, all aimed at monitoring railway tracks and managing crowds near station access routes.
An additional deployment of 15,000 personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and paramilitary units was carried out to enhance safety measures.
Furthermore, extra deployments were conducted at various critical railway stations anticipated to have heavy passenger traffic, including Varanasi, Ayodhya, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, Danapur, and New Delhi.
Vaishnaw said New Delhi Railway Station has adequate infrastructure.
It has 16 platforms, three foot over bridges (FOBs), access from both Paharganj and Ajmeri gate side, large open spaces in front of the station. Large rush of passengers during festivals and events like Kumbh, Chatth, Holi is being handled regularly on New Delhi Railway Station .
Redevelopment of New Delhi Railway Station has faced sanctions as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The minister said that Amrit Bharat Station Scheme envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term approach.
This scheme involves preparation of Master Plans and their implementation in phases to improve the amenities at the stations like improvement of station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lift/escalators as necessary, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, kiosks for local products through schemes like One Station One Product, better passenger information systems, executive lounges, nominated spaces for business meetings, landscaping etc. keeping in view the necessity at each such station.
The plan includes enhancing structures that connect the station to both parts of the city, ensuring multi-modal connectivity, providing facilities for disabled individuals, implementing eco-friendly measures, installing ballast-less tracks when needed, considering phases and practicality, and developing urban hubs around the station over time.
The proposal for revamping the New Delhi Railway Station includes constructing bigger terminal buildings on either side. It also features an expansive air-conditioned concourse equipped with contemporary passenger services. Additionally, there will be a multi-modal transport hub designed to integrate various forms of transit and offer parking along with other conveniences.
The revamped station plans for a dual-level road system—both surface and raised—to improve accessibility and reduce congestion around the New Delhi railway station. Additionally, comprehensive safety features such as surveillance through CCTV cameras, restricted entry points, regulated traffic flow, and designated waiting zones will be implemented.
He mentioned that measures have been implemented to manage the large number of passengers at the stations.
This encompasses permanent detention zones at 60 stations, entry restrictions, expanded pedestrian overpasses, surveillance systems, command centers, advanced communication devices, redesigned identification cards, updated uniforms for personnel, and enhancements to the role of station directors.
The minister said that CCTV cameras are installed at New Delhi railway station, which is being monitored round the clock.
He said a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted for comprehensive investigation into the incident at New Delhi railway station.
A stampede took place at New Delhi railway station on February 15, resulting in 18 fatalities and 15 injuries. (ANI)
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