The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways in its recent report asked the Railway ministry to focus on the management of crowds to ensure public safety and security. The recommendation comes in the backdrop of the horrifying stampede that took place on 15 February. According to official reports, the number of deceased was 18, mostly women and kids stranded in the crowd. When they were trying to board a Prayagraj-bound train during Mahakumbh.
The committee also pointed out that the progress under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was off track and hence the ministry should ensure official capacity for proper implementation of the scheme. The scheme was launched on 23 December 2023, under the Ministry of Railways for the redevelopment of 1309 stations like “city centers” in the country. However, the status of the scheme is disappointing as against the target to redevelop 453 stations in 2024-2025 only one has been done.
The ministry however says in its reply that 1337 were identified for revamping and in 1202 work is being done on different levels, but due to the complex nature of the process involved in the work of the Railway Ministry, the work is taking time.
The standing committee has also recommended some ways to strengthen Indian railways which include improving the personnel capacity, lighting and other facilities on the stations, multiple entry and exit corridors, and strict security checkpoints wherever necessary.
Indian Railways is facing a management crisis on multiple levels and the recent incident at New Delhi Railway Station was a reflection of this issue. Various committees have recommended improvement in the railways and it’s important that the structure is revamped as it is not just an economic issue but a major threat to the lives of passengers traveling via trains.
