In a tragic incident at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night, a stampede claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals, including children, and left several others injured.
In response to this devastating event, Indian Railways has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased. Additionally, those who sustained serious injuries will receive Rs 2.5 lakh, while individuals with minor injuries will be compensated with Rs 1 lakh.
The stampede occurred around 9:55 p.m. as a large crowd of passengers rushed to board the Prayagraj-bound train, leading to chaos on platforms 14 and 15. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden surge of people, which quickly escalated into a dangerous situation, resulting in the tragic loss of life and numerous injuries.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his condolences and announced that a high-level inquiry has been ordered to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede. “We are committed to understanding how this tragedy occurred and ensuring that such incidents do not happen in the future,” he stated.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing the loss of lives as “extremely sad and heartbreaking.” In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he extended his condolences to the bereaved families and emphasized the need for thorough investigations to prevent similar occurrences.
The incident has raised concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at one of the busiest railway stations in the country. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to scrutinize the measures in place to handle large crowds, especially during peak travel times.
Passengers and their families have been left in shock, grappling with the aftermath of the stampede. Many are calling for improved safety measures at railway stations to ensure the well-being of travelers.
The Indian Railways has faced criticism in the past regarding crowd control and emergency response protocols, and this incident is likely to reignite discussions on the need for reform.
In the wake of this incident, it is crucial for authorities to take immediate action to enhance safety measures at railway stations across the country. The implementation of better crowd management strategies, improved communication systems, and emergency response plans could help prevent such tragedies in the future.
The families of the victims and the injured are in the thoughts of many as the nation comes together to mourn this tragic loss. The Indian Railways’ commitment to providing compensation is a step towards acknowledging the pain and suffering caused by this unfortunate event, but it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
