The Stampede at New Delhi Railway station should become a turning point fpr Indian Railways to avoid such incidents in future & no lives are lost again.
Stampedes at Indian railway stations, often triggered by overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and sudden surges of passengers, have claimed numerous lives over the years (e.g., the 2017 Elphinstone Road station tragedy). To prevent such disasters, Indian Railways must adopt a blend of infrastructure modernization, technology-driven crowd management, and behavioral change initiatives. Here’s a roadmap:
1. Infrastructure Overhaul: Eliminating Bottlenecks
- Widen Foot Overbridges (FOBs) & Staircases: Replace narrow, aging FOBs (like Mumbai had Elphinstone Road) with wider, weatherproof structures. Install separate entry/exit routes to avoid bidirectional crowding.
- Create Non-Peak Hour Pathways: Designate emergency exits and alternative routes during festivals/rush hours.
- Install Platform Screen Doors (PSDs): Pilot PSDs at metro-style platforms in high-footfall stations (e.g., New Delhi, Howrah,Mumbai Central & Junctions across India ) to regulate boarding and prevent accidental falls.
- Expand Station Spaces: Utilize vertical expansion (multi-level platforms) and demolish encroachments around stations to ease congestion.
2. Smart Crowd Management with Technology
- AI-Based Crowd Analytics: Deploy AI cameras with heatmaps to monitor real-time passenger density. Integrate with apps like RailMadad to alert commuters about crowded areas.
- Dynamic Signage & LED Displays: Use digital boards to direct passengers to less crowded exits/FOBs during peak hours or emergencies.
- Automated Announcements: Issue warnings in regional languages via PA systems when crowds exceed safety thresholds.
- Queue Management Systems: Implement airport-style barricades and ticketing queues to avoid chaos at booking counters and entry gates.
3. Enhanced Staff Training & Coordination
- Dedicated Crowd Control Teams: Deploy Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel trained in crowd psychology and disaster management during peak hours.
- Mock Drills & Emergency Protocols: Conduct regular simulations with local police and disaster response teams to improve coordination during crises.
- Leverage NGO Volunteers: Collaborate with organizations to guide passengers during major events (e.g., Kumbh Mela, festivals).
4. Passenger Awareness & Behavioral Change
- Public Campaigns: Use social media, posters, and announcements to discourage risky behavior (e.g., crossing tracks, rushing during last-minute boarding).
- Incentivize Off-Peak Travel: Offer discounted tickets for non-peak hours to distribute footfall evenly.
- Clear Signage: Install multilingual visual guides for exits, FOBs, and emergency assembly points.
5. Policy & Governance Reforms
- Stampede Audit for Stations: Rank stations based on crowd vulnerability (e.g., footfall, infrastructure gaps) and mandate upgrades for high-risk zones.
- Strict Enforcement of Safety Codes: Prohibit unauthorized vendors and parking near FOBs/staircases that block movement.
- Leverage Data from Smartphones: Partner with telecom companies to analyze anonymized mobile data for predicting crowd surges.
6. Learn from Global Best Practices
- Japan’s “Flow Control”: Use timed entry gates and staff-guided passenger flow during rush hours.
- UK’s Station Design: London’s King’s Cross uses wide, open spaces and AI-driven crowd monitoring.
- Singapore’s MRT Model: Platform markings and public announcements systematically manage boarding/alighting.
Case Study: Mumbai Local’s Success
Mumbai’s suburban network reduced stampede risks by:
- Adding 5 new FOBs at Dadar Station.
- Installing “Talk to Us” buttons for real-time complaints.
- Running women-only coaches to ease peak-hour pressure.
Challenges & Funding
- Costs: Infrastructure upgrades require ₹50,000+ crore. Leverage PPP models and CSR funds.
- Bureaucratic Delays: Fast-track approvals for safety projects under the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh.
- Public Compliance: Persistent enforcement of rules is key.
Conclusion
Stampedes are preventable with proactive planning. By merging tech innovation, infrastructure investment, and community engagement, Indian Railways can transform stations from chaotic hubs into safe, efficient transit spaces. The 2023 revamp of Ahmedabad Station, with AI crowd control and expanded FOBs, shows the way forward—now, scaling this model nationally is critical.