NEW DELHI: A day after the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, critical questions remain unanswered. While the disaster could have been prevented with better crowd management, passengers have highlighted a series of failures, including poor communication from railway staff and a lack of trained medical assistance.
Warning Signs Ignored, Crowd Management Fails
Trouble began brewing as early as 8:15 PM, nearly two hours before the stampede. Several social media users posted about the growing crowd near the platforms, yet no significant action was taken to ease congestion.
As the situation worsened, a passenger wrote on X:
“Shiv Ganga Express-12560. New Delhi – Overcrowded Platform No. 12 (last-minute change from 14). Despite having a ticket, we can’t enter the coach. The first-class TTE has locked the door, but no one is managing the other AC coaches.”
Many travelers claimed that a last-minute platform change added to the confusion, leaving them struggling to board their trains in an already overcrowded area.
Railway Officials Deny Allegations, Probe Underway
Despite passengers’ accounts, railway officials denied any last-minute platform changes or train cancellations.
“The matter is being investigated by a high-level committee. No train was cancelled, nor was there any change in platform. Let the committee submit its report and findings,” said a senior railway officer.
Meanwhile, concerns are rising over the sale of approximately 1,500 general-class tickets per hour, which may have overwhelmed the station’s capacity. Many believe that limiting ticket sales or temporarily halting the influx of passengers could have helped manage the crowd.
Poor Communication & Lack of Medical Aid
Passengers at the station reported that unclear and inconsistent announcements added to the chaos, especially for those waiting for special trains.
Additionally, there was little to no visible medical assistance. Stranded travelers were left to rely on fellow passengers for help.
“Even on normal days, when the station is crowded, there’s no one to assist those in need. Getting a wheelchair for the elderly or disabled is always a struggle. Sometimes, porters are paid extra to carry elderly passengers on a trolley,” said a station vendor.
Eyewitness Accounts: How the Stampede Unfolded
Eyewitness Sharda Devi, a resident of Bijwasan, described a frantic rush at platforms 13 and 14. She, along with her daughter and a relative, attempted to move away, but security officials blocked their path near the staircase, creating a bottleneck.
This led to passengers pushing forward, triggering a ripple effect that resulted in the deadly stampede.
Failure in Crowd Control
The staircases and escalators at the station are not the only entry and exit points, yet people were not directed to use alternative bridges or access routes.
“If the authorities had spread the crowd more effectively, the situation could have been better controlled. Instead, platforms, bridges, and stairs were packed, making it nearly impossible to move,” said a passenger who narrowly escaped the tragedy.
Despite massive overcrowding, there were no visible crowd-control measures, leaving passengers stranded and vulnerable in the chaotic rush.
