New Delhi Railway Stations to Get AI-Powered Holding Zones After Deadly Stampede

In the wake of a tragic stampede at New Delhi railway station, which claimed 18 lives during the rush to board trains for the Maha Kumbh, the central government has announced a comprehensive plan to enhance safety and crowd control at railway stations nationwide. Here’s what you need to know about these transformative changes.

The government plans to establish permanent holding zones at 60 railway stations across India. These zones are designed to manage the influx of passengers during peak times, particularly during major festivals or events like the Maha Kumbh. The holding areas will serve as buffers, preventing overcrowding on platforms and ensuring a smoother flow of passengers.

To complement these physical changes, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a pivotal role in crowd surveillance and management. AI systems will monitor crowd density, movement patterns, and potential choke points, allowing for real-time adjustments in crowd control strategies. This technology will be especially crucial at stations connected to Prayagraj, where 35 stations will be supervised by a central war room during high-traffic periods.

Local railway officials will undergo training focused on situational awareness and crisis management. Visual aids like directional arrows and separators will be placed to guide passengers efficiently towards these holding zones, reducing confusion and congestion.

Cameras will keep an eye on areas where crowds tend to gather, such as foot over bridges and staircase landings. At New Delhi station alone, 200 CCTV cameras have been installed. Moreover, the Railways are initiating a campaign to gather feedback from passengers, coolies, and shopkeepers to pinpoint issues related to overcrowding and improve the system further.

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Approximately 90% of the devotees traveling to the Maha Kumbh come from within a 300 km radius across four states, making these stations critical for effective crowd management. This plan not only addresses immediate safety concerns following the stampede but also aims at long-term improvements in passenger experience and safety across India’s vast railway network.