Announcement of special Kumbh train led to Delhi stampede
Rush of passengers from other platforms to board a special train for Maha Kumbh on platform number 16 at New Delhi Railway station led to the stampede that left 18 people dead.
It has been reported that a special train for Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh was originally scheduled to depart from platform number 12, but was moved to platform number 16. This prompted the crowd waiting at platform number 12 for the train to rush for platform number 16.
Additionally, passengers on platform number 14, where the Prayagraj Express was preparing to depart, as well as unreserved passengers heading for Maha Kumbh, joined the rush to platform number 16 to board the special train, leading to the stampede.
Two other trains, Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani, also faced delays, further contributing to the chaos.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “This incident once again highlights the failure of the railways and the insensitivity of the government.”
“Better arrangements should have been made at the station considering the large number of devotees going to Prayagraj,” he added.
“The government and administration should ensure that no one has to lose their life due to mismanagement and negligence,” the Congress MP said.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) issued a statement holding the Railway Minister responsible for the tragedy. They also demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of the victims.
