Following a chaotic stampede, Delhi Police has revamped their crowd management strategy at New Delhi Railway Station. Six inspectors with substantial experience in managing the bustling NDLS have been placed in key positions to streamline operations.
According to official sources, these officers have demonstrable expertise working in the NDLS environment, with some having served previously as Station House Officers (SHOs) at New Delhi Railway Police Station. Drawn from various districts, their objective is to enhance crowd control in anticipation of an increasing number of pilgrims heading to Prayagraj during the last days of the Kumbh festivities.
In the wake of the stampede, the railway authority has suspended the sale of platform tickets at the New Delhi Railway Station until February 26. Access to platforms is currently restricted to those with general or reserved tickets.
Investigations reveal that the stampede on Saturday night occurred due to the dispatch of 1,500 general tickets per hour, with inadequate RPF staffing causing crowd control challenges. Issues escalated when a sudden announcement redirected crowds from Platform 14 to Platform 16, leading to panic as crowds surged, resulting in tragic accidents.
On Saturday, a swelling number of pilgrims converged on platform 14, awaiting their train to Prayagraj. A sudden announcement regarding an unscheduled train at Platform 16 prompted a frantic rush. This confusion led to a stampede, resulting in the unfortunate loss of 18 lives and injuries to many others, including women, men, and children from Bihar, Delhi, and Haryana. In response, a high-level inquiry into the incident has been initiated by railway authorities.
