By: Monu Kumar
Ministry of Railways has decided to implement new crowd control measures at 60 stations across the country, based on past experiences during the festive season and events like the Maha Kumbh. As per the latest reports, railways will introduce complete access control at these stations, permitting only passengers with confirmed reserved tickets onto platforms.
The decision, with a view to manage overcrowding at stations, puts creation of permanent waiting areas outside these stations, allowing passengers onto platforms only when their train arrive, as a potent measure. This decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Pilot projects have already started at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Patna stations. The railways will also introduce complete access control at these stations, permitting only passengers with confirmed reserved tickets onto platforms. All unauthorised entry points will be effectively sealed.
As per reports, new foot overbridges (FOBs) with widths of 12 metres (40 feet) and 6 metres (20 feet) will be installed at all stations, for better crowd movement. Railways has also decided to enhance surveillance by installing a large number of cameras at stations and nearby areas.
Each major station will have a station director, a senior officer empowered to take financial decisions on the spot. The station director will also have the authority to regulate ticket sales based on station capacity and train availability.