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Overcrowding at Indian railway stations has long been a pressing concern, leading to safety risks, delays, and security issues.   Recent incidents, such as the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15, 2025, which resulted in at least 18 deaths and 15 injured. This has highlighted the urgency for effective crowd control measures.   In response, access control systems (ACSs) have emerged as a modern solution to manage Indian train overcrowding  issue effectively.  

Challenges of Overcrowding at Indian Railway Stations

  Overcrowding at railway stations poses considerable challenges, including safety risks like stampede, and operational delays.   A festival like Maha Kumbh attracts lakhs of people to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Here, overcrowding is inevitable.   Undoubtedly, it becomes a challenge to control these crowds, and if something goes out of control, it can be chaotic.   Furthermore, unauthorized access and ticketless travel further contribute to this chaos, making crowd management a formidable task.   However, the Indian Railway Ministry has taken measures to handle this massive task. Let us break down these measures and understand how they will control the issue of overcrowding in indian railways, down below:  

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's Measures for Overcrowding

 

Key Takeaways from 7 March 2025 Press Release

  In a press release on 7th March 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced several initiatives to tackle overcrowding:

• Implementation of access control for railways: ACSs will be installed in congested stations, enabling only proven reserved passengers to access platforms. Furthermore, those on the waiting list or without tickets have to stay in designated waiting areas.
• Enhanced Surveillance: The ministry is going to install a network of advanced CCTV cameras in Indian railways. Additionally, real-time crowd monitoring systems will be incorporated to enhance security.
• War rooms at large stations: War rooms will be established at big stations, where personnel from several departments will work together to resolve emergency situations.
• Waiting places outside sixty stations: The Railway Minister intends to build permanent waiting places outside overcrowded stations to prevent platform congestion.
• Foot-over-bridges in railways: To improve crowd control during festivals, the Ministry is going to install 12-meter and 6-meter foot-over-bridges (FOBs) with ramps at major stations.
• Advanced Security Equipment: Digital communication equipment like walkie-talkies, announcement systems, and calling systems will be deployed at crowded stations for real-time coordination. New uniforms and ID cards with badge scanner for door access will be issued for staff, as well.

 

Key Takeaways from 8 August 2024 Press Release

  As per the 8th August 2024 Press Release, various steps are taken by the Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw such as:

• Indian Railways plans to install an Integrated Security System (ISS) at 199 stations to enhance surveillance, costing Rs 341.00 crore.
• The project includes CCTV surveillance, access control, personal and baggage screening, and bomb detection systems.
• The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is also used to provide better passenger protection.
• The Indian Railways have implemented various operations to ensure passenger safety, combat drug crimes, and combat illegal goods, including Jeevan Raksha, Meri Saheli Initiative, Uplabdh, NARCOS, Operation Sanraksha, Operation Satark, Yatri Suraksha, and Operation Seva (Sewa).

 

How Access Control Systems Can Transform Indian Railways

 

1. Automated Ticket Verification

ACSs facilitate automated ticket verification, reducing manual checks and minimizing entry of unauthorized passengers. This streamlines boarding processes and enhances overall efficiency.  

2. Turnstile Gates & E-Gates

Turnstile gates and e-gates integrate a key card entry system that accesses platforms. Some gates also include a swipe card access system.   Hence, installing these gates effectively controls passenger flow and reduces overcrowding.  

3. Facial Recognition & Biometric Systems

Integrating facial recognition and biometric systems enhances security by identifying individuals in real-time. It also prevents unauthorized access and aids in the swift detection of suspicious activities.  

4. Real-time Crowd Monitoring

Real-time crowd monitoring technology enables authorities to assess passenger density and movement patterns. It allows for proactive measures to prevent congestion and ensure safety.  

5. Integration with Digital Ticketing

Seamless integration with digital ticketing platforms provides passengers with a hassle-free experience. It reduces queues and promotes the use of contactless payment methods.  

Safety Systems in International Railway Systems

  International railway systems have successfully implemented access control measures to manage crowds effectively.   For instance, Japan's railway network utilizes automated ticket gates and advanced surveillance to ensure smooth passenger flow.   In China, they use advanced train control systems like the "Chinese Train Control System (CTCS) to prevent overcrowding.   In India, the railway ministry has begun creating waiting places in 60 stations for cities like New Delhi, Varanasi, and Ayodhya.   The main aim is to evaluate their effectiveness in managing crowds and enhancing railway security.  

Future of Crowd Management in Indian Railways

  The integration of access control systems with smart surveillance and digital ticketing is poised to create a safer railway experience in India.   Access control for railways is expected to have a long-term positive impact on passenger safety, operational efficiency, and security.   Additional innovations, such as AI-driven scheduling, smart queue management, and IoT-enabled tracking, could further revolutionize crowd management in Indian Railways.  

Conclusion

  Addressing overcrowding in Indian railway stations is critical for ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency.   The implementation of access control systems offers a viable solution to this challenge. By incorporating these international best practices and embracing technological innovations. Indian Railways can transform its operations, providing passengers with a safer and more efficient travel experience.