Railways announces crowd-control overhaul after New Delhi station stampede
What's the story
The Ministry of Railways has announced a complete overhaul of crowd-control measures after a tragic stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station.
The stampede, which killed 18 people, was triggered by a rush of passengers at the station after three trains, one of which was a special service to the Maha Kumbh, were delayed.
The situation was further worsened by the sale of around 1,500 general category tickets and overcrowding on platforms 13 and 14.
Safety measures
6-month campaign for passenger safety launched
In the wake of the tragedy, the Railways Ministry has launched a six-month-long campaign to improve passenger safety at railway stations across the country.
This will include color-coded enclosures and advanced technology for crowd monitoring.
Special "holding areas" with designated pathways will be set up at 60 high-traffic stations that often witness overcrowding during events like the Maha Kumbh.
Surveillance boost
Real-time crowd monitoring and increased security
Of these, 35 stations directly connecting to Prayagraj will have real-time crowd monitoring through a centralized "war room." This is important as a large number of Kumbh devotees come from nearby states.
Delhi's railway stations will also get over 200 new CCTV cameras as part of these measures.
Six Inspector-rank officers of Delhi Police have also been deployed to monitor crowd at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS).
Investigation underway
High-level inquiry ordered into stampede causes
To further control crowds, railway officials have temporarily stopped the sale of platform tickets for seven hours from 4:00pm.
However, this restriction doesn't apply to persons with disabilities or senior citizens.
Further, compensation has been announced for victims' families: ₹10 lakh for killed, ₹2.5 lakh for seriously injured, ₹1 lakh for minor injuries.
Enhanced security
Strict crowd control measures implemented at UP stations
Meanwhile, strict crowd control measures have been implemented at key Uttar Pradesh stations after the Delhi stampede. Stations in Ayodhya, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Mirzapur are among those enforcing the protocols.
In Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh is being held till February 26, additional holding areas have been identified to manage extra passengers.
Drones are being used in Prayagraj to monitor pilgrim flow during the festival.