Tragic Aftermath: Crowds Defy Enhanced Security at New Delhi Station Following Fatal Stampede
At 8:30 PM on a chaotic Monday, New Delhi Railway Station is bustling, particularly on the Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj sides, which are marked with banners directing Kumbh pilgrims. Security, comprising Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force, is vigilant, their whistles piercing the noise of trains, vendors, and bustling travelers. The tension stems from a recent stampede here that claimed 18 lives after a confusion about a special train announcement for Prayagraj led to a rush.
In response to the tragedy, security measures have been ramped up. Personnel are now stationed on every staircase and train entrance, barricades erected at Platform 16’s gates, and ropes block the sleeper class ticket holders from rushing for seats. A waiting pavilion with multiple ticket booths caters to the Kumbh Yatris. However, infrastructural inadequacies aggravate the situation; only one escalator at Ajmeri Gate is functional, and key elevators and staircases remain closed.
Volunteer reports reveal the situation has been worsening over the past ten days with delays in Kumbh special trains causing congestion. Consequently, a growing crowd grapples with limited space, non-functional infrastructure, and a lack of clear communication. Overhead announcements struggle to be heard about train arrivals, leading to panic as passengers vie for early boarding, oblivious to which train comes first. The oppressive atmosphere, thick with fuel and sweat, becomes intolerable for those packed tightly on the station floor. Despite efforts to restore order, by 10:10 PM, the situation escalates as travelers scramble for arriving trains, marked by the sound of metal trolleys and urgent security warnings. The scene highlights a dire need for effective crowd management and infrastructure support amidst the Kumbh pilgrimage.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/new-delhi-railway-station-stampede-aftermath-scene-maha-kumbh-special-train-9842539/
Category : Cities,Delhi
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Publish Date: 2025-02-18 15:55:00
