Waltair Division Tightens Crowd Management at Stations

The Waltair Division of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has tightened crowd control at major stations as Sankranti travel drives a sharp rise in passenger rush.

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Lalit Bohra inspected arrangements at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. He said the division is running special trains to key destinations. It has also strengthened existing services for the festive season. The division has added extra coaches to several weekly and long-distance trains.

Mr Bohra said the division has improved passenger information systems. Stations are making frequent announcements and updating enquiry services. Officials are displaying train details prominently. He said teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Commercial Department are monitoring crowd movement. These teams are also supervising onboard operations.

To ease ticketing, the division has opened more ticket counters. It has increased the number of Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs). It has also strengthened enquiry counters. Officials said they are ensuring catering services and drinking water facilities for passengers.

The division has set up a dedicated war room at the Divisional Office. It will monitor the situation around the clock. It will also respond quickly to any emerging issues during the peak travel period.

The railway administration has urged passengers to travel safely. It warned them against footboard travel and crossing tracks to board trains. It also cautioned against unwarranted alarm chain pulling. Passengers have been told not to enter compartments reserved for women and Divyangjan. Officials urged commuters to cooperate with staff to ensure smooth crowd management during the festival season.