New Delhi Railway Station, one of India’s busiest transport hubs, witnessed severe overcrowding on Sunday evening as multiple train departures were delayed, causing chaos and a near stampede-like situation on platforms 12 and 13. Responding to the growing crisis of unmanageable passenger inflow, the Indian Railways is considering deploying ‘standby’ trains to cater to the increasing demand, particularly for Bihar-bound passengers.
With thousands of unreserved travellers boarding evening trains, congestion at New Delhi Railway Station has been a recurring issue, often leading to safety hazards. Railway officials revealed that the proposed standby train, consisting solely of general coaches, would be stationed in the yard and mobilised as needed to alleviate overcrowding. The initiative aims to provide relief to unreserved travellers who frequently struggle to find space on packed trains heading towards Bihar.
A senior railway official stated that overcrowding peaks in the evenings when multiple Bihar-bound trains are scheduled for departure. “A special unreserved train could significantly reduce the burden on scheduled services and improve the overall passenger experience at New Delhi station,” the official added. The train is expected to operate along key routes, covering major destinations such as Patna and Hajipur, ensuring smoother transit for travellers. The move aligns with broader discussions within Indian Railways on enhancing passenger flow management, including revising platform ticketing mechanisms to better regulate crowd movement.
The railway authorities are also contemplating additional technological interventions, such as printing train numbers and names on platform tickets, to improve station management and prevent unnecessary overcrowding. If implemented, this feature would require updates to the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and could help streamline access to platforms.
The mounting pressure on New Delhi Railway Station highlights the urgent need for infrastructural upgrades and enhanced crowd control strategies. With railway networks serving as the backbone of affordable transportation in India, initiatives such as standby trains could offer immediate relief while paving the way for long-term improvements. Whether this plan will be executed promptly remains to be seen, but it signals a crucial step towards addressing one of the capital’s most pressing transport challenges.
