HUBBALLI, Oct 28: In response to the increased passenger traffic during the Deepavali festival, South Western Railway has implemented extensive measures to ensure smooth operations across the Hubballi, Mysuru, and Bengaluru Divisions.
According to a release by SWR, total 55 trains are scheduled for the benefits of passengers during Deepavali & Chhath festive season. For regular trains extra coaches are also augmented based on the heavy waiting list trains to clear the rush.
Officers, Commercial staff and Scouts & Guides volunteers along with Security personnel are deployed during these rush hours to control the crowd at all major stations like, Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vasco Da Gama, Gadag, Hosapete, Ballari, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, KSR Bengaluru, Yesvantpur, Mysuru, Tumakuru, Bengaluru Cantt., Mandya, Hassan, Davangere and other railway stations across SWR.
The SWR has also increased the presence of RPF (Railway Protection Force) to maintain order and security, especially during rush hours.
Other major measures are as follows:
Security was significantly enhanced with the installation of additional CCTV cameras and baggage scanners. Extra lighting and backup power supplies are also arranged to ensure safety during peak hours and to handle any potential technical disruptions.
Temporary help desks are provided to assist passengers with ticketing, directions, and schedule information at all major stations of SWR.
All ATVM facilitators are provided multiple smart cards for recharging of cards well in advance for the benefit of uninterrupted ATVM ticketing.
Encouraged mobile ticketing, smart cards or QR-based ticketing to minimize wait times.
Additional Ticketing Counters are provided to clear the extra rush.
Queue Managers are deputed at Booking Counters and at the General coach entrances to ensure that passengers obtain ticket and board the train in orderly manner.
Mega Phone Announcements are being made at Booking Office and station entrance about the special trains to various destinations.
First aid box availability and ensure medical staff are on standby in case of health emergencies due to crowd pressure.
Medical booths along with Ambulance is made available at major stations of SWR.
Additional Ticket checking staff are being deployed at the stations so as to guide the passengers about the availability of the special trains. Further this is also ensuring reduction in overcrowding of the existing trains.
Uninterrupted supply of drinking water for passengers is ensured. All catering stalls are well-stocked with ample water bottles. Additionally, train-side vendors and trolley services are on hand to offer water bottles right inside or near the coaches
Additional signage/Time table boards were installed across all platforms to guide passengers efficiently to Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), escalators, restrooms, and platforms. This improved navigation and reduced confusion among the large crowd.
