Why Crowd Control Is Essential
The festive period surrounding Diwali and Chhath Puja is the busiest time of year for Indian Railways, witnessing a massive migration of people returning to their hometowns. This surge leads to unprecedented footfall at key stations, particularly in northern
and eastern corridors, creating significant safety risks and logistical challenges. Without proactive management, platforms, foot-over-bridges, and station concourses can become dangerously overcrowded, increasing the risk of stampedes and making travel difficult for everyone. The new measures aim to prevent these bottlenecks, ensuring a safe and orderly environment for all passengers.
New Measures at Major Stations
To manage the influx, several specific controls are being put into place. At major Delhi stations, including New Delhi, Delhi Junction, and Anand Vihar Terminal, the sale of platform tickets will be suspended from November 3 to November 14 to limit non-passenger entry. A key strategy is the creation of designated holding areas, or 'Yatri Suvidha Kendras', outside main station buildings. These temporary enclosures, equipped with facilities like ticket counters and seating, will hold passengers until their train is scheduled to arrive, allowing for a regulated flow onto the platforms. This system is being deployed at major hubs like those in Delhi and Bihar to decongest platforms.
Enhanced Security and Surveillance
A significant security enhancement involves the deployment of additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel. These officers will be stationed at critical points like entry gates, platforms, and foot-over-bridges to manage queues and regulate passenger movement. Security is being further bolstered through round-the-clock real-time CCTV monitoring from dedicated control rooms. This allows authorities to identify potential overcrowding situations instantly and dispatch response teams. In Chennai, authorities have also intensified checks using sniffer dogs and explosive detection equipment, and have issued strict warnings against carrying flammable items like firecrackers.
Special Trains to Clear the Rush
Beyond managing crowds at stations, Indian Railways is also working to increase capacity on busy routes. Numerous special trains have been announced to accommodate the surge in demand. The Northern Railway alone is planning over 6,200 special train trips during the festive season, a 30% increase to connect major hubs like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar with destinations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The Eastern Railway has announced several unreserved special trains from Kolkata and Sealdah to cities like Patna, Gorakhpur, and Jaynagar, allowing passengers to travel by purchasing tickets at the station without advance reservation. Central Railway has also added 418 special services for the season.
Tips for Travellers This Season
If you are travelling during the Diwali rush, a little planning can make your journey much smoother. Arrive at the station well in advance of your departure time, especially if you are travelling from a major terminal. To avoid long queues at ticket counters, use the IRCTC website or UTS app for booking. Be aware that some physical Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters in the Delhi - NCR region may be closed or have restricted hours on Diwali. Travel with minimal luggage to make navigation through crowded areas easier. Finally, cooperate with railway staff and follow public announcements; the measures are in place for your safety. Check your train status on the NTES app before leaving for the station.
