The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has submitted a detailed report regarding the tragic stampede incident at New Delhi Railway Station. According to the report, the situation escalated after the departure of the Shivganga Express from platform number 12 at approximately 8 PM. Following the train’s departure, a massive crowd began gathering on platforms 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The pathways leading to these platforms were soon completely congested, causing severe movement restrictions. In light of the situation, the RPF inspector advised the station director to consider dispatching a special train earlier than scheduled to alleviate the pressure.
Confusion Over Announcements Led to Panic
The RPF report claims that the primary reason behind the stampede was the confusion created by conflicting announcements regarding the departure platform of the Kumbh Special train bound for Prayagraj. Initially, at 8:45 PM, an announcement was made that the train would depart from platform number 12. However, shortly afterward, another announcement was made, indicating that the train would now depart from platform number 16. This sudden change led to panic among the passengers, who rushed towards platform 16.
Rush Towards Foot Overbridges Triggered Stampede
Upon hearing the revised announcement, a large number of passengers waiting on platforms 12, 13, 14, and 15 hurried to foot overbridges 2 and 3 to reach platform 16. At the same time, passengers from other trains were descending the same staircases, resulting in congestion, pushing, and eventually, a stampede. The report specifies that the stampede took place at approximately 8:48 PM.
18 Lives Lost in the Tragedy
The horrific incident led to the death of 18 individuals, with another 30 sustaining injuries. This tragic loss prompted immediate action from the authorities at New Delhi Railway Station. Several significant changes have been implemented to enhance passenger safety and prevent such incidents in the future.
Measures Taken to Prevent Future Incidents
Following the stampede, authorities have introduced stricter security protocols. Passengers are now prohibited from loitering on foot overbridges without a valid reason. Security personnel have been stationed at critical points to enforce this rule and ensure the smooth flow of foot traffic. Additionally, trains bound for Prayagraj are being closely monitored, and special teams have been deployed to observe and manage crowd density on the platforms. These measures aim to reduce overcrowding and prevent any recurrence of such tragic incidents.