Indian train passengers face increasing risks due to overcrowding, vandalism, and a lack of security. Recent incidents, including stampedes and violence, highlight the urgent need for safety measures.
Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest and most vital transportation networks, is facing a growing safety crisis. While the government continues to expand railway infrastructure, the fundamental issue of passenger security remains unresolved. Shocking incidents of unruly crowds vandalizing trains, assaulting passengers, and creating stampedes expose the vulnerabilities of train travel in India.
The recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, caused by overselling general category tickets and poor crowd management, was a tragic reminder of the system’s inefficiencies. Hundreds of passengers, desperate to board overcrowded trains, found themselves trapped in chaos, leading to injuries and panic. Despite past warnings, authorities failed to implement effective crowd control measures.
Meanwhile, violent incidents have been reported across various train routes, particularly those linked to major religious events like the Maha Kumbh. Angry passengers, unable to board due to overcrowding, resorted to vandalism—breaking windows, throwing stones, and even inserting sticks through the train’s iron grilles to attack those inside. Such incidents raise serious concerns about the absence of proper security personnel at railway stations and inside compartments.
Safety First: The railway is often called the nation’s lifeline, yet its passengers’ safety is frequently neglected. Despite repeated appeals, railway police personnel are rarely seen patrolling platforms or compartments, leaving travelers vulnerable to theft, violence, and accidents. It is unacceptable that such a crucial mode of transport operates with little to no visible security presence. The responsibility for this crisis lies with unlawful passengers who resort to violent behavior and the railway authorities who fail to enforce the order. If this trend continues, public confidence in train travel will further deteriorate, forcing people to look for alternative modes of transport.
The railways must take immediate and decisive steps to ensure the safety of its passengers. Every train should have designated Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel on board, particularly in general compartments and high-risk routes. Additionally, security personnel must be deployed in more significant numbers at major railway stations to prevent crowd mishandling and ensure law and order. To avoid dangerous overcrowding, the railway authorities must limit the sale of general category tickets based on train capacity. Digital ticketing systems should be optimized to monitor and regulate the number of passengers.
Take Precautions: Railway stations need automated entry and exit systems to regulate passenger flow and prevent stampedes. Additionally, well-marked zones for boarding and deboarding should be introduced to avoid dangerous congestion at platform edges. To track and manage passenger movement, AI-based crowd monitoring through CCTV cameras should be implemented at key railway stations. Real-time monitoring will allow railway staff to intervene immediately in case of disruptions, ensuring a more secure travel environment. Strict penalties should be enforced against individuals guilty of damaging railway property or endangering passengers. Public awareness campaigns must also be launched to educate travelers about the consequences of unruly behavior and vandalism, reinforcing discipline and responsibility.
Will Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw take the necessary steps to make Indian trains safer? While the government is expanding railway networks and modernizing stations, these developments are meaningless if passengers do not feel secure while traveling. The focus should not just be on more trains and better infrastructure but also on ensuring law and order inside and around railway premises. The authorities must act now before another tragedy unfolds on the tracks.
The writer is a senior journalist and columnist. Views are personal. Twitter @narvijayyadav
