New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) The Indian Railways has initiated a comprehensive set of strategies aimed at managing the significant influx of passengers at railway stations. According to Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, these initiatives include the establishment of specialized holding zones, access control systems, and upgraded surveillance measures, as discussed in the Rajya Sabha.

In a formal response, the minister indicated that permanent passenger holding zones will be constructed at 76 specific stations to alleviate platform congestion.

These holding zones will feature various facilities such as seating arrangements, drinking water, restroom access, ticketing services, information displays, and security screenings to effectively manage crowding during peak hours.

The holding area at New Delhi Railway Station has already been put into operation, boasting additional ticket counters, automatic ticket vending machines (ATVMs), public announcement systems, electronic train information boards, CCTV surveillance, luggage scanners, door frame metal detectors (DFMDs), enhanced lighting, power backup, reverse osmosis drinking water systems, and separate restrooms for men, women, and persons with disabilities (Divyangjans).

"Similar facilities at other stations are currently being planned and implemented," he noted.

To ensure smooth passenger flow, complete access control will be enforced, permitting only those with confirmed reserved tickets direct entry onto platforms, while individuals without tickets or on waiting lists will be directed to designated holding areas outside.

The Railways has also introduced new designs for broader foot-over-bridges (FOBs), measuring 12 meters and 6 meters, which will be installed at various stations to facilitate crowd movement, as per the minister's statements.

Additionally, AI-powered CCTV cameras are being deployed at stations and surrounding areas to enable real-time monitoring and crowd management, while specialized “war rooms” will be established at major stations to ensure coordinated departmental responses.

The minister mentioned that next-generation digital communication systems, including walkie-talkies and advanced announcement systems, will be utilized at stations with high foot traffic.

Furthermore, railway staff and service personnel will receive QR code-based ID cards to ensure secure access, along with new uniforms for better identification in emergencies, as stated by the minister.

The position of Station Director will also see an upgrade at major stations, enabling senior officers to make immediate decisions with financial authority.

"All departments will report to the Station Director to guarantee a unified command structure," he added.

Vaishnaw indicated that Station Directors will also have the authority to regulate ticket sales based on station capacity and train availability to prevent overcrowding.