The railway station — a place of countless goodbyes, new beginnings, and untold stories. It is where millions of dreams converge, where weary travelers especially farmers and habitants from Rural India find comfort, and where the pulse of the nation beats strongly. For many agriculturist and young Indians, the railway is not just a mode of transport — it is a bridge to opportunity, a passage to a better future. But what happens when that bridge becomes unsafe? What happens when the very place meant to carry dreams forward becomes a site of tragedy?
The recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), which resulted in loss of innocent lives, was more than just an accident — it was a wake-up call. It exposed the deep-rooted challenges of overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of modern safety measures at our busiest railway hubs. As India surges ahead in its ambition to become a developed nation by 2047, our railway system must evolve to match this vision. With rising aspirations, increased urban migration, and ever — growing passenger numbers, we must ask ourselves-are we truly prepared for the future of Indian Railways?
Railways are the backbone of India’s economy and social fabric, moving over 23 million people every day. But with great numbers comes great responsibility. If we want a railway network that is safe, modern, and capable of handling the rising demands of an ambitious India, we need urgent reforms in station design, crowd management, and passenger experience. This is not just about preventing another stampede — it is about building an India where every journey is safe, efficient, and dignified. The question is — are our stations built for this future? If we do not act now, overcrowding will not just lead to safety hazards but will also diminish passenger experience, slow down economic mobility, and create bottlenecks in urban transport systems. One of the biggest concerns at NDLS is the unpredictability of passenger movement, leading to congestion, last — minute rushes, and logistical bottlenecks. In Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest, an AI — powered crowd tracking system monitors footfall density and suggests alternative routes in real time. Similarly, London’s King’s Cross Station utilises sensor — driven monitoring to optimise train schedules based on real-time crowd movement. For NDLS, integrating a dynamic crowd monitoring and predictive analytics system can help prevent sudden overcrowding by guiding passengers to less congested areas, improve safety through real — time alerts for emergency evacuation protocols, and minimise last-minute platform changes, which often lead to mass panic and dangerous stampedes. Additionally, station security should incorporate smart ticket verification zones ensuring only legitimate passengers enter the platform areas-a method successfully used in Japan and China.
Modernisation should not be limited to expanding infrastructure — it must also focus on making railway stations safer and more inclusive for all. Railway stations in developed countries have incorporated gender — sensitive infrastructure, with separate waiting lounges for women, enhanced CCTV surveillance, and well-lit platforms ensuring safety, as seen in Stockholm Central Station in Sweden. NDLS should introduce safe zones for women and children, install AI-powered facial recognition surveillance, and provide gender-neutral restrooms.
Hygiene and cleanliness remain significant challenges for Indian railway stations. NDLS should implement automated waste segregation units, self — cleaning toilets, and bio — waste recycling units to create a hygienic transit environment. Water conservation measures, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient smart lighting will also contribute to sustainable station operations. To ensure a more soothing and environmentally conscious railway experience, floriculture — based waiting areas, vertical gardens, and air — purifying green walls can be introduced, like Oslo Central Station in Norway and Kyoto Station in Japan, which have successfully integrated green spaces into transit hubs. This will improve passenger well — being while making railway stations visually appealing. Indian railway stations generate massive amounts of organic waste daily, which can be converted into clean energy, powering station lighting and operational functions.
With solar roofing, and water conservation systems, India can lead a railway revolution based on green energy. Beyond infrastructure, railway security forces like the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) must transition from a purely enforcement — based role to a people — friendly support system. We must think beyond just building infrastructure and focus on making railway stations hubs of innovation, sustainability, and service. With AI — powered crowd control, bio — energy — driven efficiency, and a people — friendly railway police force, NDLS can become a global model for smart transit hubs. If executed well, railway modernisation will not only improve infrastructure but also transform millions of lives, ensuring that every journey taken on Indian Railways is safe, smooth, and full of dignity. In 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, let our railway stations stand as monuments of progress, where no passenger fears for their safety, where no traveler is left stranded in overcrowded platforms, and where every Indian-rich or poor-feels proud of the journey they embark upon.
(The writer is Executive President World Cooperation Economic Forum. Views expressed are personal)
