New Delhi: A stampede at New Delhi Railway Station’s Platform 14-16 on Saturday evening left 15 people injured, as massive crowds gathered to board trains bound for Prayagraj. The incident occurred due to severe overcrowding, with passengers struggling to board delayed trains heading to the ongoing Kumbh Mela. Two individuals were reported to be in critical condition and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The chaos unfolded around 8 PM when a sudden surge of passengers arrived at the station to catch trains to Prayagraj. Delays in two scheduled trains exacerbated the situation, leading to a suffocating crowd and eventual stampede. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, with passengers jostling for space on platforms, staircases, and even toilets.
Eyewitness Accounts Highlight Lack of Coordination
One passenger expressed frustration over the lack of coordination, stating, “If we are being stopped outside, the trains should also be halted. It doesn’t make sense for trains to come and go while passengers are stuck outside the station.” Another traveller recounted their ordeal, saying, “I’ve been standing on the platform for an hour but couldn’t board the train due to the overwhelming crowd. There was no one to assist passengers in boarding properly.”
The absence of adequate crowd management and assistance from railway staff further worsened the situation, leaving passengers stranded and vulnerable.
Special Trains Deployed to Ease Congestion
In response to the crisis, Indian Railways has deployed two special trains to Prayagraj to accommodate the surge in passengers. Reports suggest that additional special trains may be introduced soon to manage the overwhelming demand. The Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has drawn millions of devotees to Prayagraj, leading to unprecedented pressure on transportation networks.
According to data released by the Kumbh Mela administration, over 1.36 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga and Sangam rivers on Saturday alone. Since the event began on 13 January, a staggering 52.83 crore pilgrims have visited the sacred site, highlighting the scale of the logistical challenge.
Calls for Better Crowd Management
The incident has sparked calls for improved crowd management and safety measures at major railway stations, especially during peak travel periods. Passengers and observers have criticised the lack of preparedness and coordination, urging authorities to ensure such incidents are avoided in the future.
As the Kumbh Mela continues, the focus remains on managing the massive influx of pilgrims while ensuring their safety and convenience. The stampede at New Delhi Railway Station serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by large-scale events and the need for robust planning and execution.
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