New Delhi: In a major safety initiative, the Indian Railways has announced the implementation of ‘holding areas’ at 60 high-footfall railway stations across the country. This move aims to prevent overcrowding and reduce the risk of stampedes, especially during peak travel times.
Passengers will now be required to wait in designated holding areas instead of directly accessing platforms. They will only be allowed onto the platform shortly before their train’s scheduled departure to ensure smoother movement and avoid chaotic congestion.
The decision comes in the wake of recent overcrowding incidents, including at New Delhi Railway Station, prompting urgent measures to enhance passenger safety. The first phase of this initiative includes stations in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, among others.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that expert-designed access routes will guide passengers efficiently, minimizing delays while ensuring security. The system is expected to be expanded further based on its effectiveness in managing crowds during festivals and peak travel seasons.
