Railways Implements Strict Rules for Crowd Control During Holi. Only confirmed ticket holders will be allowed platform entry; CCTV monitoring with war rooms will be in place; illegal access routes will be closed; general ticket sales will be limited.
Waiting Ticket: To manage the expected large crowds during Holi, the railways have implemented strict rules. Only passengers with confirmed tickets will be allowed platform access. The railways believe this will prevent unnecessary crowding at the station and avoid situations like stampedes. Passengers with waiting tickets will not be permitted entry to the station.
Lessons Learned from the Maha Kumbh Incident
Learning from the accident during Maha Kumbh at Delhi station, the railways have implemented stringent security measures. Cameras and war rooms will be set up to monitor and control crowds on the platforms. A waiting area will be created outside the station, where passengers will be allowed onto the platform only shortly before their train's arrival.
Illegal Access Routes to be Closed
To enhance security, the railways plan to close all illegal access routes. Additionally, extra cameras will be installed at and around the station to monitor passenger movement. This measure is aimed at crowd control and ensuring quick response to any emergency.
Limited Number of General Tickets
Due to overcrowding on trains like the Vikramshila, LTT, Anga, and Vananchal departing from Bhagalpur, leading to fights and pushing for seats, the railways have decided to limit the sale of general tickets. Only a fixed number of tickets will be issued, aiming to provide passengers with a more comfortable journey.
Special Arrangements to Handle Emergencies
The railway administration has granted the station director special financial powers to handle emergencies. All officers stationed at the station will report to the station director. Two ambulances have also been arranged to deal with any unforeseen situations.
Operation of Special Trains
For passenger convenience, the railways have operated five Holi special trains to Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities. Additional special trains will operate from Bhagalpur after Holi. However, timely operation of special trains is not being given sufficient attention.
On the first day, the New Delhi Holi Special train (04067) arrived in Bhagalpur three hours late. Scheduled to arrive at 4:15 AM, it arrived at 7:25 AM, causing inconvenience to passengers. The railway administration says that this issue will be resolved soon.
