Railway Gears Up Ahead of Diwali Rush
In a concerted effort to guarantee passenger safety and streamline operations during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Mahaparv festivals, the Railway Division has successfully executed intensive mock drills at two of its busiest hubs: Bhopal and Itarsi stations. The synchronized exercises reflect the administration’s proactive commitment to preparedness for the immense festive passenger surge, aiming to ensure a seamless and secure travel environment across the network.
Leadership Oversees Security Command
The comprehensive drills were conducted under the strategic guidance of Divisional Railway Manager Pankaj Tyagi, with detailed supervision provided by Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Saurabh Kataria at Bhopal and Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Dr. Abhishek at Itarsi. The primary objective was to thoroughly stress-test the railway’s capacity for effective crowd management and security response across all key departments—Commercial, RPF (Railway Protection Force), and Operating—confirming inter-departmental readiness and swift coordination.
Focus on CCTV Monitoring and Screening
A critical focus during both drills was the meticulous inspection of the CCTV-monitored Control Rooms, where staff were specifically briefed on deployment strategies to prevent congestion during peak hours. The exercise simulated real-life scenarios, encompassing detailed checks on passenger and parcel luggage screening, with the assistance of the specialized RPF Dog Squad to enhance security vigilance against potential threats and unauthorized materials.
Testing On-Ground Logistical Efficiency
Furthermore, the drills ensured the operational readiness of ground-level staff, including TTEs, and checked the efficiency of essential passenger services like public announcement systems and train information displays. By testing security sweeps in waiting halls and on trains, the administration sought to leave no stone unturned in preparing for the expected passenger influx, focusing on rapid response and maintaining passenger flow. Senior officials from both stations reaffirmed the railway administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety and convenience of travellers.
