Indian Railways Sets Up 'Holding Areas' at Key Stations for Mahakumbh Pilgrims Amid Safety Concerns

New Delhi, February 20: In response to the anticipated surge in pilgrims during the final week of Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the Indian Railways has established 'holding areas' at various railway stations to manage crowds and ensure passenger safety. The initiative comes in the wake of the February 15 stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which resulted in 18 fatalities.

The Railway Ministry announced on Thursday that these holding areas have been set up at stations under the Northern Railway, North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and East Central Railway zones. These designated areas, located outside the platforms, aim to control passenger flow and prevent overcrowding within station premises.

To facilitate a smooth and safe travel experience, the ministry urged passengers to follow official guidelines and cooperate with authorities. The statement noted, "Passengers will be allowed to enter the platform only at their scheduled train departure time. This initiative is focused on improving crowd management and enhancing safety measures for all travelers."

In the Northern Railway zone, large-scale holding areas have been set up at Ghaziabad, Anand Vihar, New Delhi, Ayodhya Dham, and Varanasi stations. Similarly, the North Eastern Railway has introduced holding areas at Varanasi, Siwan, Ballia, Deoria, Chhapra, and Gorakhpur stations.

This proactive approach aims to avert chaotic situations, ensuring that the unfortunate incident at New Delhi Railway Station is not repeated, particularly during a high-footfall event like the Mahakumbh.