Indian Railways enforces platform ticket ban, expands waiting zones, and deploys high-tech surveillance to control massive Holi travel crowds at key stations.

Central Railway Implements Crowd Control Measures at Key Stations During Holi Rush

To manage the surge in passenger movement during the Holi festival, Central Railway has imposed temporary restrictions on platform ticket sales at six key stations in Mumbai—CSMT, Dadar, Kurla LTT, Thane, Kalyan, and Panvel. These restrictions will be in place from March 8 to March 16 to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.

Major Crowd Management Initiatives Announced

A high-level meeting led by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday focused on crowd control measures at railway stations across the country. Several key initiatives were announced to enhance passenger safety and streamline movement, especially at stations that frequently witness heavy footfall.

Key Measures Introduced to Ease Congestion

  • Permanent Waiting Areas Outside Stations – A network of designated waiting zones will be set up at 60 high-traffic railway stations, allowing passengers to wait outside until their trains arrive, preventing excessive crowd buildup on platforms.
  • Strict Access Control System – Only passengers with confirmed reserved tickets will be allowed direct entry to platforms, while those on waiting lists or without tickets will be required to remain in the waiting areas.
  • Expanded Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) – Two new standardized FOB designs of 12 meters (40 feet) and 6 meters (20 feet) have been developed to improve passenger flow and prevent bottlenecks.
  • Advanced Surveillance & Monitoring – High-traffic stations will be equipped with CCTV cameras, digital communication tools, walkie-talkies, and modern calling systems to assist in crowd management.
  • Dedicated War Rooms – Centralized control rooms will be established at select stations to coordinate real-time responses to crowd surges and emergencies.
  • Revamped Station Administration & Staff Upgrades – The post of Station Director will be upgraded to improve decision-making, and staff will receive new uniforms and ID cards to enhance visibility and assistance to passengers.
  • Capacity-Based Ticket Sales – To further control congestion, ticket sales will be adjusted based on station capacity, ensuring safer crowd management.

With these proactive measures, the Indian Railways aims to prevent overcrowding, enhance passenger safety, and improve overall travel experience, particularly during high-traffic festive seasons.

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