Safety measures at stations should be year-round

Help desks operating 24X7 will be set up at Dadar Station to guide visitors heading to Chaityabhoomi (Dr Ambedkar’s resting place) and Rajgruha (memorial). Representational Pic/File

Western Railway (WR) has announced extensive security and crowd-management arrangements at Dadar station ahead of Mahaparinirvan Diwas on December 6, when lakhs of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar are expected to visit Chaityabhoomi, at Shivaji Park.

According to a press release issued by WR, nearly 700 personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) will be deployed. Surveillance has been strengthened with 160 CCTV cameras, which will monitor movement 24x7. It went on to say helpdesks operating 24x7 will be set up at Dadar station to guide visitors heading to Chaityabhoomi (Dr Ambedkar's resting place) and Rajgruha (memorial). Staff from the RPF, GRP and ticket-checking department posted at these desks will provide information on train timings and other assistance, our report said.

To manage the heavy footfall, WR has put up barricades and rope-based segregation at crowd-prone locations such as the BMC and Tilak foot overbridges. Controlled diversions will be enforced at entry and exit points, while clear directional signage has been placed across bridges and gates to ensure smooth movement.

Some of these measures may be helpful round the year. Sharp surveillance is a must all through, especially at such high-density spots. Announcement systems should project loudly and clearly. Mumbling, undecipherable noises over systems lead to confusion and panic. Clearly-marked diversions are needed on other days, too, some even for infra work.

Clear directional signage is a year-round necessity. Well-lit platforms and exit entry gates are a must throughout. The poorly lit areas need to be addressed post Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Additional personnel and troops may not be possible but some of these measures to ensure safety and smooth movement need to be in place 365 days.