Stampede Threat Averted at New Delhi Railway Station; Injuries Not Reported

Synopsis

On March 24, a potentially dangerous crowd situation at New Delhi Railway Station was successfully managed, resulting in no reported injuries. Effective crowd control measures were swiftly implemented by the authorities, leading to a safe outcome despite significant delays in train departures.

Key Takeaways

No injuries were reported despite a crowded situation.
Effective crowd-control measures were promptly implemented.
Delays in train departures caused significant congestion.
The situation resembled previous crowd management challenges.
Authorities emphasized the importance of safety protocols.

New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) A 'stampede-like atmosphere' was successfully prevented at the New Delhi Railway Station on Sunday due to the swift execution of crowd-control measures, with no injuries reported, according to the Delhi Police.

According to railway officials, delays affecting several trains resulted in significant congestion at platforms 12 and 13 of the station.

Senior officials from the Railway Protection Force and the Delhi Police took charge of the situation, implementing effective crowd management strategies, they noted.

The Railway Ministry confirmed that no stampede occurred and that all protocols for unreserved passengers were meticulously observed.

The Ministry also reported that there were no injuries during this incident.

While acknowledging the heavy rush at the station, the Railways Ministry stated that there was “no stampede or stampede-like situation”.

A substantial crowd had amassed at platforms 12 and 13 due to delays in the departures of four trains.

Northern Railway CPRO Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay remarked to IANS, “There has been no incident, no stampede, and no stampede-like situation —such claims are completely baseless. New Delhi Railway Station experiences peak traffic in the evening, and being a Sunday and weekend, the crowd was larger than normal. Immediate crowd control measures were implemented, and the situation is now under control...”

“A large number of passengers gathered at platform numbers 12 and 13 of New Delhi Railway Station due to delays in the departures of the Shiv Ganga Express, Swatantrata Senani Express, Jammu Rajdhani Express, Lucknow Mail, and Magadh Express. These cumulative delays caused significant congestion at the platforms. The situation became chaotic and created a stampede-like atmosphere, reminiscent of past crowd management challenges during Mahakumbh. Prompt crowd control measures were essential to prevent any serious incidents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported,” the Delhi Police stated.

In a subsequent statement, the Ministry of Railways clarified, “There was a heavy rush at New Delhi Railway Station, but there was no stampede or stampede-like situation. The protocol of guiding unreserved passengers through the holding area is being followed to ensure safety.”

This incident has led to a closer examination of crowd management practices at the station, underscoring the need for improved measures during peak travel periods.