NEW DELHI: A day after the devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, there were many questions but few answers. While the lack of measures that could have prevented such a situation was apparent, passengers also flagged a range of lapses ranging from absence of proper communication from railway staff to non-availability of trained medical help.
There were early signs of trouble. Around 8.15pm, two hours prior to the stampede, several X users began posting about the growing crowd near the platforms. Yet, no measures were taken to manage the situation, it has been alleged.
Despite clear warning signs, the congestion only worsened. One user posted, “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 passengers claimed that they were caught off guard by the last-minute platform change which contributed to the chaos.
Stranded passengers rely on each other for help in chaos
Railway officials were quick to refute allegations that there was a last-minute change in platform. “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.
The sale of around 1,500 general class tickets every hour in such a situation also raised serious questions about accountability. Many passengers claimed that the influx should have been halted in time.
The lack of clear announcements regarding train arrivals was another major concern raised by passengers, with many believing it contributed significantly to the stampede -particularly in the case of the special train. Passengers at the station claimed that the announcements were unclear due to background noise.
There was little to no visible medical assistance available on the platforms. Stranded passengers were left to fend for themselves, relying on each other for help in the chaos.
Several families that TOI spoke to said that doctors or trained responders could have made a real difference. “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 the trolley,” said a vendor who didn’t wish to be named.
Eyewitness Sharda Devi, a resident of Bijwasan, said there was a frantic rush at platforms 13-14. Seeing the chaos, she, along with her daughter and relative, attempted to move away, but security officials stopped them and others from proceeding further near the staircase. This created a bottleneck, forcing passengers at the back to push forward, triggering a ripple effect that led to the crush.
At the station, the staircase and escalator are both extremely busy areas, but these aren’t the only entry and exit points. There are other bridges and access routes, yet people weren’t directed to use them. “If the authorities had spread the crowd more effectively, the situation could have been much better controlled. Instead, the platforms, bridges and stairs were all packed with people, making it nearly impossible to move,” said a passenger who had a narrow escape in the tragedy.
Passengers also noted that there were inadequate crowd-control measures in place despite the massive overcrowding.