Prayagraj Railway Stations Strengthen Safety Measures After Delhi Stampede Incident
New Delhi Railway Station, railway authorities in Prayagraj are stepping up their safety protocols to prevent any untoward incidents, especially as the city witnesses an influx of devotees for the Maha Kumbh festival. The authorities have assured that strict adherence to previously established crowd management measures will continue to be implemented at Prayagraj’s major railway stations.
Shashikant Tripathi, the Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO) of North Central Railway, reassured the public that the protocols, which had already been in place during major events such as Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami, would be maintained for future gatherings as well. “We are ensuring strict implementation of the previously issued protocols,” Tripathi stated. These safety measures have been successful in managing large crowds in the past, and the authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of all passengers. Prayagraj Junction, the city’s primary railway station, has established a systematic approach to manage the steady stream of passengers arriving for the Maha Kumbh and other major events. The station has a well-structured flow, where passengers enter the station from the city side and depart from the Civil Lines side. This division of entry and exit helps prevent congestion and maintain order. To further ensure smooth operations, a designated holding area has been set up to accommodate passengers until their trains are ready for boarding.
The Railway Police Force (RPF) at Prayagraj Junction is actively overseeing crowd management. RPF Inspector Shiv Kumar confirmed that the situation remains well-organised, and there have been no significant disruptions. The success of the measures has been attributed to the effective crowd control and supervision in place, which continues to play a crucial role in maintaining order. Ashok Kumar, PRO of the Varanasi Division of North Eastern Railway, also confirmed that similar crowd management protocols are being followed at other stations in the region, including Jhunsi and Rambagh. These protocols include the use of holding areas for passengers, ensuring that the station platforms are not overcrowded, and providing orderly access to trains. This has proven to be an effective method in managing large gatherings, particularly during festivals and pilgrimages when the footfall of passengers rises significantly.
The concerted efforts of various railway divisions have resulted in a smooth operation of train services, with a priority placed on ensuring passenger safety and comfort. The authorities have stressed that their focus will remain on maintaining order during high-traffic periods, and that the protocols will continue to be enforced at all times. The holding area system has become a vital component in the effective crowd management strategy at railway stations. By providing passengers with a designated waiting area, the authorities can prevent overcrowding on the platforms and ensure that trains depart in an orderly manner. These measures are particularly critical during festivals like the Maha Kumbh, which see an influx of millions of people.
The implementation of these protocols has been well-received by passengers, who have expressed their appreciation for the safety measures. Passengers feel more secure knowing that the railway stations are actively working to manage large crowds and provide a safe environment for travel. The authorities are optimistic that these efforts will continue to ensure smooth operations during the Maha Kumbh and other events that attract large numbers of visitors. The railways in Prayagraj have made significant strides in improving crowd management protocols following the Delhi stampede. By ensuring orderly movement of passengers and prioritising safety, railway authorities are working hard to maintain public trust and provide a secure and efficient travel experience for all.
