Ashwini Vaishnaw lists Indian Railways’ proactive measures to avert stampedes and overcrowding accidents at stations – Here’s what they are

As per the Indian Railways, the number of passengers on originating basis during financial year 2022-23 stood at 639 crore. Earlier, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishanw informed the Rajya Sabha that as on March 31, 2023,  65,301 passenger coaches are available for operation.

The minister added that in order to address passengers’ requirements and provide enhanced accommodations for travelers, Indian Railways is implementing various measures such as introducing new services, extending existing ones, boosting their frequencies, and augmenting load capacities. These initiatives are continuously evolving and contingent upon factors like operational feasibility, resource availability, and competing demands.

There is also an extra rush of passengers during the festive season and vacations. The Indian Railways makes special efforts to cater to this surge in number of passengers. However, with the ever-o\increasing number of passengers, there is also a risk of stampede which needs to be taken care of. Vaishnaw also listed the ways the Indian Railways takes to  prevent stampedes and accidents caused by overcrowding at railway stations.

What are the steps taken to prevent stampedes and accidents?

These were the steps listed by Ashwini Vaishnaw.

• Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel collaborate with the commercial department and Government Railway Police (GRP) to manage crowds at stations and railway premises.

• The Railway Protection Force (RPF) exerts maximum efforts to ensure the organised boarding of passengers into unreserved coaches during festive seasons. This is achieved by forming queues on platforms ahead of the train’s arrival.

• Regular announcements are issued via the Public Address system to manage and control crowds effectively.

• RPF personnel oversee foot over bridges, entry and exit points, platforms, etc., collaborating with GRP to regulate passenger movements effectively.

• Trained RPF staff monitor crowds through CCTV footage and predict potential crowd movements. 

• Additional manpower of security personnel is provided from Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) Battalions.

• Monitoring and vigil on criminal activities is ensured by deploying staff in plain clothes.

Indian Railways has engaged in a systematic timetable rationalisation effort with the support of IIT-Bombay. This initiative aims to improve passenger safety by establishing maintenance corridor blocks and reducing conflicts in the existing timetable.