Days after a stampede at New Delhi railway station claimed 18 lives, the Central government has introduced a new crowd control strategy, including the creation of permanent holding zones at 60 high-traffic railway stations and the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to monitor crowd movements, sources said.
The stampede, which occurred on Saturday night, was triggered by a sudden rush of Maha Kumbh devotees attempting to board trains to Prayagraj.
The chaos unfolded around 10 pm when passengers, confused by conflicting train announcements, surged towards platform 16 via a narrow stairway.
Trapped between ascending and descending crowds, the situation turned dire as panic spread, leading to the fatal crush.
According to sources, local officials will be trained in situational awareness and crisis management as part of the new measures. Directional arrows and separators will also be installed to guide passengers to designated holding zones.
The use of technology, including AI-based systems, will be a key component of the initiative.
AI will track crowd movement, particularly during train delays, with 35 stations connected to Prayagraj being monitored by a central war room, the sources said.
In a bid to enhance surveillance, 200 additional CCTV cameras have already been installed at the New Delhi railway station. Special monitoring will focus on individuals gathering on foot overbridges and stairway landings.
Also read: Confusion over train names, delays led to NDLS stampede: Police
Ninety per cent of devotees heading to the Maha Kumbh travel from a 300-km radius across four states, prompting specific monitoring at these key transit points, the sources added.
The Railways will also launch a special campaign to address overcrowding concerns.
"The campaign will collect feedback from passengers, coolies, and shopkeepers to identify problem areas," the sources said.
Investigations underway
A high-level committee established by the Railway Ministry is currently probing the causes of the stampede. The committee, comprising two senior administrative officials, is reviewing CCTV footage and related documents while conducting interviews with witnesses.
A detailed report is expected soon.
Some officials indicated that delays in train departures and the sale of over 1,500 general tickets every hour at the New Delhi railway station may have contributed to the chaotic conditions.
In response, the Northern Railways announced that no counter sale of platform tickets would be permitted at New Delhi station until 26 February, the concluding date of the Maha Kumbh. However, platform tickets remain available via automatic vending machines.
Additionally, all special trains bound for Prayagraj will now operate exclusively from platform number 16, with passengers directed to enter and exit through the Ajmeri Gate side of the station, railway authorities confirmed.
Compensation announced
The Railway Ministry has declared compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of those killed in the stampede. Those seriously injured will receive ₹2.5 lakh, while those with minor injuries will be provided ₹1 lakh.
The Centre’s focus on advanced technology and structural changes aims to prevent a repeat of such a tragedy.
“These measures reflect our commitment to passenger safety and ensuring smooth transit during peak travel periods,” an official remarked.
As the Maha Kumbh continues to draw millions of devotees to Prayagraj, the implementation of these crowd management measures will be closely monitored to ensure public safety across India’s busiest railway stations.
Also read: Railways forms two-member panel to probe New Delhi stampede
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