The South Western Railway (SWR) has announced various crowd management strategies for handling smooth operations at Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Mysuru divisions during the Diwali rush. As per the official statement, around 55 special trains will be operating to handle the increased number of passengers for the Diwali and Chhath festive season. The decision has been taken by the SWR to ensure seamless travel for commuters.
Security measures upgraded
The railway authorities have increased the number of Railway Protection Force (RPF) officers to manage the festive rush at major stations like Mysuru, Vasco Da Gama, Ballari Vijayapura, Tumakuru, KSR Bengaluru, Hosapete, Mandya, Hassan, Hubballi, Tumakuru, Gadag, Bagalkot, Bengaluru Cantt and Davangere. Security measures have been tightened by installing CCTV cameras, and baggage scanners, and backup for the power supply has been kept in reserve for maintaining safety during rush hour.
To handle crowd flow, commercial staff, officers, security personnel, and guide volunteers have been deployed at the stations. As per the latest report, to accommodate the huge waiting list of passengers extra coaches have been added to regular trains.
Passenger care facilities
Ticket-checking personnel and signage boards have also been set up to guide the passengers for elevators, restrooms, foot overbridges, and platforms. All the information related to the train timings, directions, or tickets can be addressed via help desks. Queue managers will be present at the booking centers as well as at the entrance of the general coach to maintain the order. Ticket counters have been increased and medical staff has also been stationed in case of any emergency. An extra AC-3 tier coach has also been added to some trains to cater to passengers’ demands.
(With inputs from PTI)