Delhi High Court Questions
In the aftermath of a tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that claimed at least 18 lives, the Delhi High Court has raised serious concerns regarding the Indian Railways’ practice of selling tickets beyond platform capacity. The court’s intervention comes as part of a public interest litigation (PIL) aimed at preventing such catastrophic incidents in the future.
The Tragic Incident
On February 15, 2025, a massive crowd gathered at New Delhi Railway Station, with thousands of pilgrims intending to travel to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj. Due to train delays and confusion over platform assignments, the station became overwhelmingly congested. The situation escalated when passengers, attempting to switch platforms via a footbridge, slipped and fell, leading to a deadly stampede. The victims ranged in age from a seven-year-old child to a 79-year-old adult, with the majority being women and children.
Court’s Intervention
In response to the incident, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the Central Government, Indian Railways, and the Railway Board. The court questioned the rationale behind selling tickets exceeding the station’s handling capacity, especially during events known to attract massive crowds. The PIL, filed by the organization Arth Vidhi, emphasizes the need for stringent measures to prevent overcrowding and ensure passenger safety.
Overcrowding and Ticket Sales
Reports indicate that on the day of the incident, approximately 2,600 tickets were sold beyond the station’s maximum capacity of 5,000, leading to severe overcrowding on platforms designed to comfortably accommodate 3,000 passengers. This overbooking, combined with inadequate crowd management, created a hazardous environment for travelers.
Government and Railway Response
Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the formation of a high-level committee to examine the causes of the stampede and to recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Immediate steps, including the deployment of additional trains and personnel to manage crowd surges, have been implemented to address the situation.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s scrutiny of Indian Railways’ ticketing practices highlights a critical issue of passenger safety amid large-scale events. This incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive crowd management strategies and adherence to safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
Discover more from The CutShort News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
