Following the chaotic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station last Saturday night, the railway administration has enacted several critical changes to prevent such incidents. As the crowds continue due to the Mahakumbh pilgrimage, expected to last until February 26, safety measures are rigorously in place. Tragically, the Saturday incident claimed 18 lives.
The investigation is underway to understand how such a reputable station faced a crisis and where control mechanisms failed. Whose fault was it? In response, New Delhi station has heightened security. Railway officials were visible throughout Sunday, with the administration taking 5 decisive actions to manage the crowds better. If you're traveling via New Delhi Station, be informed of these changes.
1. No Platform Tickets
Platform tickets are no longer available to manage the crowd. The sale has been halted until February 26 due to the influx of Mahakumbh pilgrims. Only family members escorting elderly passengers can enter the station.
2. Ticket Check Before Entry
Barriers are strengthened outside the station with increased RPF personnel. Access is granted only post-ticket verification, overseen by ticket checkers and RPF at entry points. Even with confirmed tickets, passengers can only enter around their train's departure time to minimize inner congestion.
3. Queuing System Before Train Arrival
Queue arrangements are initiated on platforms before train arrivals, particularly for general and sleeper class passengers. To prevent a rush, additional security personnel are deployed. Passengers for trains bound for Bihar and Jharkhand are ushered in organized queues.
Source: aajtak
4. Outdoor Waiting Areas (Like During Chhath Puja)
Historically, Chhath Puja sees increased passengers, and stations adopt outdoor waiting areas for control. Those with delayed trains or general tickets await outside, receiving alerts before train arrivals. The station now has designated waiting zones across various locations.
5. Escalators Closed at Platforms 15-16
To manage crowds, experienced SHO officers are redeployed. Police presence is heightened outside, with security forces on staircases. Due to malfunction on the incident day, escalators at platforms 14 and 15 are replaced temporarily with stairs.
The Saturday night stampede led to 18 fatalities, including 9 women, 4 men, and 5 children. Most were from Bihar (9), with others from Delhi (8) and one from Haryana. The government announced a compensation of 1 million INR.
