Prayagraj Railway Division Ensures Safe Travel for 5 Crore Devotees
The Prayagraj Railway Division of North Central Railways (NCR) played a pivotal role in the seamless transportation of nearly five crore devotees during the Maha Kumbh 2025. The event saw an unprecedented 66 crore devotees gather over 45 days, and the railway division rose to the occasion, operating a record 16,780 trains. This achievement not only ensured that the millions of visitors reached their destinations but also set the standard for effective crowd management at some of India’s busiest stations.
The scale of this operation, especially during such a massive spiritual event, caught the attention of Indian Railways, which plans to implement these crowd control strategies at other major railway hubs across the country. Following the success at the Kumbh, officials from the Ministry of Railways convened a high-level meeting to discuss strategies for managing large crowds during festivals like Holi, where passenger volumes can be similarly high. Among the key initiatives that will be adopted across 60 major stations are the implementation of holding areas, controlled platform access, and advanced CCTV surveillance. These measures, borrowed from the successful methods deployed during the Maha Kumbh, aim to ensure that the movement of passengers remains smooth, even during peak times. The new protocols will involve passengers being allowed onto platforms in phases, a method that proved highly effective in preventing overcrowding in Prayagraj.
Railway stations like Anand Vihar, Surat, Udhna, Patna, and New Delhi, which often experience significant footfall during festive seasons, will benefit from expanded holding areas. These zones will help regulate the flow of passengers, while only reserved category passengers will be permitted direct access to the platforms. Unreserved passengers will be accommodated in designated waiting areas until their trains are ready for departure. This careful orchestration of passenger movement is expected to significantly reduce instances of congestion and improve safety.
To support these enhanced crowd management measures, Indian Railways will also deploy advanced monitoring systems equipped with CCTV cameras to track crowd pressure. Coordination will be streamlined through walkie-talkies, live announcements, and digital communication tools, ensuring that both railway staff and police work in tandem to maintain order. In line with the increased focus on efficient crowd control, the railways are also planning infrastructure upgrades. The introduction of wider footbridges—20-foot and 40-foot wide—at key stations is set to improve the overall flow of passengers. Moreover, railway staff will be more easily identifiable with special ID cards and distinctive uniforms, further ensuring that they can provide swift assistance during high-traffic periods.
The success of the crowd management strategies during the Maha Kumbh 2025 has paved the way for their broader application across the Indian Railways network. The ministry’s proactive approach is focused on providing a safer and more comfortable travel experience for passengers while safeguarding their well-being in the face of large-scale gatherings. These measures, which will be rolled out during Holi and other festivals, reflect a forward-thinking approach by Indian Railways to tackle the challenges posed by India’s rapidly growing passenger numbers.
With these measures in place, the Indian Railways is not only aiming to prevent overcrowding but also to foster a more secure and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers during festivals. The lessons learned from the Maha Kumbh 2025 are expected to become the cornerstone of Indian Railways’ strategy for managing peak-season travel, ensuring the smooth and safe movement of passengers across the country.
