Delhi Stampede: 40-Minute Delay?

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

18 people died in the stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station.
The RPF report indicates a delay of over 40 minutes in making a distress call.
The stampede was triggered by the announcement of a platform change for a Kumbh special train.
Railways announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased.
Conflicting statements from railway and fire department officials regarding the timeline.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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The stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station on February 15 resulted in the tragic loss of 18 lives. According to a report prepared by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), there was a delay of over 40 minutes in making a distress call after the Delhi Stampede. This delay raises serious questions about the response time and coordination following the incident.

Conflicting Timelines: A Discrepancy in Accounts

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While the Railways stated in their official communication that the stampede occurred at 9:15 pm, the Delhi Fire Services maintained that they received the first call from the Delhi Police at 9:55 pm. However, the RPF’s report, accessed by India Today TV, indicates that the stampede occurred at 8:48 pm and the information was provided to the on-duty station in-charge at that time. This discrepancy of over half an hour highlights a significant breakdown in communication and emergency response protocols.

The Trigger: A Platform Change Announcement for Kumbh Pilgrims

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The RPF report reveals that platforms 12-16 were heavily congested due to the influx of passengers, mostly those heading towards Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh. A large crowd of passengers began gathering on platform 12 after the departure of the Shivganga Express at 8:00 pm. Recognizing the potential for danger, the station director and the RPF’s assistant security commissioner, along with their staff, positioned themselves at foot overbridges 2 and 3 to manage the escalating crowds.

Missed Opportunities: A Failure to Act Swiftly

The RPF inspector advised the station director to expedite the departure of the special Kumbh trains to alleviate the congestion. Furthermore, the inspector urged the Railways to immediately cease the sale of 1,500 tickets per hour for Prayagraj, given the overwhelming number of passengers already present on platforms 12-16, as evidenced by CCTV footage. These recommendations, if implemented promptly, could have potentially mitigated the severity of the Delhi Stampede.

The Fatal Announcement: A Catalyst for Chaos

At 8:45 pm, an announcement was made stating that a Kumbh special train would arrive at platform 12. Shortly thereafter, a second announcement was broadcast, indicating that the train would now arrive at platform 16. This sudden change in platform assignment triggered a surge of passengers across foot overbridges 2 and 3. Passengers on platforms 12-16 scrambled to reach the designated platform, while those intending to board the Magadh Express, Sampark Kranti, and Prayagraj Express trains were descending the stairs simultaneously. In the ensuing chaos, some individuals slipped and fell, precipitating the deadly stampede.

Compensation Announced: A Gesture of Condolence

Of the 18 individuals who perished in the tragedy, nine were women, five were children, and four were men. The eldest victim was 79 years old, while the youngest was a seven-year-old girl. The Railways has announced a compensation package of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for those who sustained serious injuries, and ₹1 lakh for individuals with minor injuries.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

18 fatalities resulted from a stampede at the Delhi Railway Station.
A delay exceeding 40 minutes occurred in issuing a distress call.
The change of platform for the Kumbh Special was a factor.
Compensation has been offered by the Railways to the victim’s families.
Inconsistencies exist between the accounts of the Railways and the fire department.