As part of its proactive crowd management strategy, Indian Railways has announced the deployment of Station Directors at 73 major stations across the country. The move comes in preparation for the upcoming festival season, which typically sees a sharp spike in train passengers.
This initiative is aimed at improving passenger convenience, station operations, and safety protocols.
Key Details of the Deployment
According to the Ministry of Railways:
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Station Directors will act as nodal officers at their respective stations
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They will oversee ticketing, sanitation, security, and passenger movement
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The appointments will be effective ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Diwali, and other high-traffic festivals
“This step is essential to maintain real-time control and ensure passenger safety during peak periods,” a senior railway official said.
Major Stations Covered
The 73 stations include high-footfall junctions in cities such as:
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New Delhi
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Mumbai CST
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Howrah
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Chennai Central
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Secunderabad
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Bengaluru City
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Ahmedabad
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Bhopal
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Lucknow
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Patna
These stations often serve over 1 lakh passengers per day during peak periods.
Roles & Responsibilities of Station Directors
The appointed officials will be tasked with:
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Coordinating with RPF and GRP for security
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Monitoring crowd flow and avoiding bottlenecks
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Ensuring cleanliness and sanitation
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Resolving passenger grievances promptly
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Supervising food and water availability
Each Station Director will report to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) for daily updates.
Technological & Logistic Upgrades
To assist Station Directors, Indian Railways is also:
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Upgrading CCTV surveillance systems
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Setting up mobile control rooms
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Enhancing digital display boards for real-time information
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Deploying additional ticket counters and help desks
These changes are part of Indian Railways’ broader festival preparedness plan.
Passenger Benefits Expected
Passengers can expect:
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Reduced waiting times
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Better queue management
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Clean platforms and rest areas
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Timely updates on train arrivals and delays
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A single point of contact for emergency or service needs
This move is expected to significantly improve rail travel experience during the festive rush.
Railway Ministry’s Vision
The Ministry has reiterated that these measures align with its goal to make stations more passenger-centric, ensuring safety, efficiency, and accessibility at all times.
“Station Directors are the face of Indian Railways at major stations. Their empowerment is vital for passenger trust,” the Railway Board noted in its statement.
