In an attempt to control excessive crowd on the occasion of Holi and ensure passenger safety, Western Railway has taken certain temporary measures at major stations within the Mumbai division. The measures have been brought into effect already and will continue till March 16 this year. Western Railway (WR) has also suspended the sale of platform tickets at some of the major stations to prevent overcrowding during the festive season.
The sale of platform tickets has been restricted at major stations of Mumbai and Gujarat including Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Vapi, Valsad, Udhna and Surat according to a press release issued by Western Railway. The decision is expected to reduce congestion and help maintain safety and order within station premises during the festive rush. Railway authorities are also operating special long-distance trains to clear extra rush of passengers.
This step by the Western Railway comes within a month of stampede at New Delhi Railway Station which claimed 18 lives including three children during the Maha Kumbh Mela at Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.
Crowd Control Measures by Western Railway (WR)
Apart from suspending platform ticket sales, Western Railway has implemented certain measures to ensure smooth crowd control at Railway stations:
Only passengers having confirmed tickets will be allowed to enter the platforms. Passengers with waiting list tickets will not be permitted access to the platforms to prevent unnecessary crowding.
Passengers having general class tickets will be allowed entry to the platforms only within two hours prior to their train’s scheduled departure. The purpose is to ensure that waiting areas and platforms do not become excessively crowded.
However, provisions have been made for people assisting senior citizens, women, and passengers requiring special support, allowing them access to the platforms as necessary, as stated by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway.
Measures for passenger comfort
Designated holding areas equipped with seating arrangements, lighting, fans, announcement systems, and drinking water facilities have been established. These areas serve as waiting zones for passengers not yet permitted onto the platforms, thereby reducing congestion.
Advanced surveillance systems, including increased CCTV coverage and deployment of additional security personnel, have been introduced to monitor crowd movements and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
