ANI reported, citing sources, that the Ministry of Railways is planning to develop permanent holding areas at 60 stations in view of heavy crowds during peak season.
Common Causes of Stampedes in India:– Overcrowding: Large crowds in confined spaces, such as railway stations and temples, create congestion.
– Poor Infrastructure: Narrow pathways, lack of proper exits, and limited evacuation routes increase risks.
– Misinformation and Panic: False alarms or sudden chaos can lead to stampedes.
– Insufficient Crowd Control: Lack of trained personnel and effective monitoring systems hampers safety.
Railway stations are particularly vulnerable, as peak travel periods see platforms overcrowded due to train delays and inadequate staffing.Also Read: Stampede horror in Delhi: A look at major tragedies that have occurred in India
How the world handles large crowds
Many countries have adopted advanced technologies and strategies to manage crowds effectively and prevent stampedes. Japan and China have implemented Artificial Intelligence (AI)-aided crowd analytics in their railway stations. AI systems use real-time video surveillance to monitor crowd density, predict congestion, and send alerts to railway authorities.
AI-driven surveillance in Tokyo stations analyses crowd movement patterns and prevents bottlenecks. High-speed rail networks use AI-powered monitoring systems that predict peak congestion times and adjust operations accordingly.
European cities use automated ticketing and entry restrictions to regulate passenger flow. London’s King’s Cross Station uses ticket-based access control to limit the number of people on platforms at any given time. At Frankfurt Central Station entry gates prevent overcrowding by allowing only those with valid tickets to access specific areas.
Architectural innovations help prevent stampedes by ensuring smooth crowd movement. Singapore MRT uses wide concourses, multiple exits, and waiting zones to reduce congestion.
Dubai Metro uses automated crowd control barriers to regulate boarding and deboarding processes.
In response to past tragedies, some countries like South Korea and France have strengthened their emergency preparedness. After the Seoul Halloween disaster in 2022, authorities introduced real-time emergency drills and evacuation training. The Paris Metro conducts regular evacuation drills for staff and passengers to improve response during emergencies.
Also Read: Eyewitnesses recount how overcrowding, chaos led to stampede at New Delhi Railway Station
