Kumbh Train Led to Delhi Stampede: Report

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. 18 people died in a stampede at Delhi Railway Station.
2. The inquiry report blames a Kumbh special train and ticket sales surge.
3. Around 1,500 general tickets were being issued per hour.
4. Hundreds awaited a train to Prayagraj on platform 14.
5. The stampede occurred after a Kumbh special train announcement from platform 16.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Kumbh Special Train, Ticket Sale Surge Led to Delhi Stampede: Probe Report An inquiry report into the New Delhi Railway Station stampede that killed at least 18 people has revealed that an announcement for a special train for Maha Kumbh devotees and a sudden surge in the sale of tickets to Prayagraj were factors that led to the tragic accident. This incident raises serious questions about crowd management.

According to the Report: As per the report, accessed by Aaj Tak, India Today’s sister channel, railway authorities were issuing approximately 1,500 general tickets every hour for Prayagraj. On Saturday night, the report said that hundreds of passengers were waiting on platform 14 to board a train for Prayagraj, while a large number of travellers also gathered at the adjacent platform 13 to board the Swatantrata Senani Express, which runs from New Delhi to Darbhanga. The combination of crowds created a dangerous situation.

Train Delay: However, the Swatantrata Senani Express was delayed and rescheduled to depart at midnight, due to which the passengers remained on the platform. As a result of the additional ticket sales, the number of travellers started to increase on platform 14, leading to overcrowding, with hardly any empty space for people to even stand on, the inquiry report said. This delay exacerbated the overcrowding.

Cause of the Stampede: “Considering the increasing crowds and continuous ticket sales, at around 10 pm, the railway authorities announced a special train to Prayagraj from platform 16. Upon hearing this announcement, the passengers with general tickets, who were waiting on platform 14, rushed towards 16 by crossing the foot overbridge,” it said. “In doing so, they trampled over passengers who were sitting on the overbridge, while a person also slipped and fell, which led to the stampede.” The sudden announcement triggered panic.

Railway Statement: Confirming the development, Northern Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay said, “At the time of the incident, the Magadh Express heading to Patna was standing on platform 14, while the Jammu-bound Uttar Sampark Kranti was on platform 15. A passenger coming from 14 to 15 slipped and fell on the stairs, and many passengers standing behind him were hit. The stampede occurred due to this. This is being investigated by a high-level committee.”

Train Operations: He further highlighted that no train was cancelled as a result of the incident and added, “Timings of trains were not changed, we did run additional trains.” “There was a normal rush. The incident happened only after a passenger accidentally slipped on the bridge The situation is absolutely normal now and train operations are running as per schedule.” These statements aim to reassure the public.

Police Investigation: Also on Sunday, Delhi Police launched a probe into the stampede and said it would analyse CCTV footage to ascertain what exactly happened before the tragedy unfolded. “Our main target is to investigate the main cause which caused the stampede. We will collect all data from CCTV footage and announcements done during that time,” news agency PTI quoted a police source as saying. The police are seeking answers.

Victims: The 18 victims comprised nine women, five children and four men. As per information, the eldest victim was 79 years old, while the youngest was a seven-year-old girl. The injured are currently being treated at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital and Lady Hardinge Hospital. This tragedy has affected many families.

Compensation: The Indian Railways announced a Rs 10 lakh compensation for families of the victims; Rs 25 lakh for the seriously injured; and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries. This compensation offers some relief.

High Alert: In the wake of the incident, the Government Railway Police of Uttar Pradesh has sounded high alert at all train station across the state, especially Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh Mela is currently underway. ADG Railways Prakash D has urged special vigilance on platforms for all special trains heading to Prayagraj, with strict coordination to control the surge of devotees in the stations.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

18 died in a Delhi railway stampede. Report blames Kumbh train & ticket sales surge. The announcement sparked the rush. It was a tragic accident.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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