A tragic incident unfolded at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night as a massive crowd gathered to board trains to Prayagraj Mahakumbh. The overwhelming rush led to chaos and, reportedly, a stampede. Although railway authorities denied the stampede, sources from Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital (LNJP) confirmed the death of 15 people, including three children. Ten others were injured in the incident.
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Massive Crowd at Platforms 12-16
According to eyewitnesses and reports from Aaj Tak, the stampede-like situation arose when a huge crowd flooded platforms 12 to 16 late on Saturday night. Initial information from the fire department indicated that around 14-15 people were injured. The injured were rushed to LNJP Hospital and Lady Irwin Hospital for treatment.
Passengers described harrowing moments of being trapped in the crowd. Many were stuck for over an hour, unable to escape the pressure of the mass. A sudden surge from behind escalated the situation, resulting in people being crushed and injured.
Railway Authorities Deny Stampede Claims
Railway PRO Dilip Kumar, in a statement to Aaj Tak, refuted claims of a stampede. He acknowledged the presence of a large crowd but maintained that there was no stampede. He clarified that special trains for Prayagraj were already running, and the increased crowd on Sunday led to more congestion.
“We have not reduced the number of trains; all services are operational. There is no confirmed report of injuries or a stampede,” said Dilip Kumar.
Ambulances Deployed Outside the Station
The chaos prompted the arrival of multiple ambulances outside New Delhi Railway Station. Despite efforts to manage the situation, the crowd remained dense due to delayed trains. Even after introducing two additional trains, the congestion did not ease significantly. Authorities assured that more special trains would be arranged to manage the crowd.
Police and Security Measures
Security personnel, including Delhi Police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), were deployed at the station to control the situation. However, the crowd’s volume made it challenging for the officials to maintain order.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Responds
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to address the situation. In his post, he wrote:
“The situation at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is under control. Delhi Police and RPF have reached the spot. The injured have been shifted to hospitals. Special trains are being arranged to disperse the sudden crowd.”
LG VK Saxena Expresses Condolence
Delhi LG VK Saxena also expressed grief over the incident. In his post on X, he said:
“The unfortunate and tragic incident at New Delhi Railway Station due to overcrowding and chaos has resulted in loss of lives and injuries. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I have spoken to the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner and asked them to address and resolve the situation.”
High-Level Inquiry Ordered
In response to the incident, the railways have ordered a high-level inquiry. A committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the chaos and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Reasons Behind the Chaos
Several factors contributed to the overcrowding at New Delhi Railway Station:
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Delayed Trains: Many trains were running late, causing passengers to wait longer than usual. The accumulated crowd led to increased pressure on the platforms.
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Pilgrimage Rush: With thousands heading to Prayagraj Mahakumbh, the demand for train services surged, leading to congestion.
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Weekend Rush: Being a Sunday, the usual weekend rush added to the chaos.
Passenger Accounts: A Nightmare Experience
Passengers recounted their traumatic experiences during the incident. “I was stuck in the crowd for over an hour. People were pushing from behind, and I couldn’t move. It was terrifying,” said a passenger.
Another passenger, who lost his belongings in the chaos, described the situation as “unmanageable” and called for better crowd control measures.
Need for Improved Crowd Management
The incident highlights the urgent need for better crowd management at major railway stations, especially during peak travel seasons and festivals. Experts suggest the following measures:
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Real-time Crowd Monitoring: Advanced technology and AI-driven systems to monitor crowd density and alert authorities of potential risks.
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Improved Communication: Regular announcements and updates on train schedules to inform passengers and reduce anxiety.
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Increased Security Presence: Deployment of more security personnel to manage crowds and ensure orderly movement.
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Special Arrangements for Pilgrims: Dedicated trains and platforms for pilgrims during large events like the Mahakumbh.
Political Reactions
The incident sparked political reactions, with opposition leaders criticizing the government for inadequate arrangements. Some accused the railway administration of negligence, leading to the tragic outcome.
The Road Ahead
While the railway authorities have assured that the situation is under control, the incident has raised concerns about passenger safety at busy stations. The upcoming inquiry is expected to shed light on the shortcomings and help implement effective measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.
Trains to Prayagraj: A Continued Challenge
Despite the chaos, trains to Prayagraj continue to be in high demand. With thousands still planning to travel for the Mahakumbh, authorities are under pressure to ensure smooth operations.
The stampede-like situation at New Delhi Railway Station underscores the critical need for comprehensive crowd management and timely communication. As the railways remain the lifeline for millions of pilgrims and travelers, safety and efficiency must be prioritized to prevent such tragic incidents.
The incident has left the city in shock, with families mourning the loss of their loved ones. The government and railway authorities must learn from this tragedy and take swift action to ensure the safety of passengers in the future.
