We also made full use of gadgets like loudhailers, walky-talkies, dragon searchlights, so that RPF staff could make announcements and keep in touch with senior officers. Assistance booths were opened, equipped with first-aid kits, wheelchairs, railway telephones and FIR forms. The circulating area outside the railway station was kept free and the parking area was shifted to about 400 metres away from the station, so that the crowds could move about freely. One week before the event, urchins and anti-social elements were cleared out of the station.We also took precautions against fires. The fire brigade on alert and fire-fighting equipment at hand. Anti-sabotage checks were conducted thoroughly in the railway premises by using minesweepers and sniffer dogs, with surveillance cameras fitted at all the busy points.It is only meticulous planning by senior police officers that can prevent such unfortunate and totally preventable tragedies.

The writer is Inspector General of Police, Shimla