February 17, 2025: In response to the deadly stampede at the New Delhi railway station, the central government has announced a comprehensive crowd control plan aimed at enhancing passenger safety. The new measures include the construction of permanent holding zones at 60 high-traffic railway stations and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for crowd and crisis management, sources told the media.

The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 18 people, occurred as Maha Kumbh devotees surged towards trains headed for Prayagraj. The overcrowding led to a fatal stampede, highlighting the need for better management of large passenger flows, especially during peak travel times.

As part of the revamped plan, local railway officials will undergo training focused on improving situational awareness and crisis response. Additionally, clear directional signage such as arrows and physical separators will be installed to direct passengers to designated holding areas, ensuring smoother crowd movement and reducing the risk of congestion.

One of the key elements of the new strategy is the application of AI technology to monitor crowd behavior, particularly during delays. Central authorities will oversee operations at 35 stations, closely monitoring crowds through AI systems. The New Delhi station, which was the site of the stampede, has seen the installation of 200 CCTV cameras to enhance surveillance, including monitoring areas such as foot over-bridges and staircase landings where crowd congestion is most likely.

The Railways is also focusing on stations frequented by devotees traveling to the Maha Kumbh. Nearly 90% of those heading to the event travel within a 300 km radius of the station, necessitating targeted monitoring efforts at stations in the surrounding states.

To further address overcrowding concerns, the Railways will launch a special initiative to collect feedback from passengers, coolies, and shopkeepers to identify areas for improvement and ensure better crowd management in the future.

This proactive approach aims to prevent future tragedies while enhancing the overall travel experience for millions of passengers nationwide.