New Delhi: After a stampede left at least 18 dead at the New Delhi railway station, security arrangements have been revamped with extra barricades and more boots on the ground.
Ropes have been put up in places to separate the crowd at platforms 14,15 and 16, while Delhi Police, Rapid Action Force (RAF), and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel did the rounds at platforms to make sure no large crowd gathers at one place.
In focus are the three above mentioned platforms where the stampede took place Saturday night. The RAF is also ensuring that there is a continuous movement on the footbridges as well.
Apart from the uniformed personnel, railway and security staff are also present at each platform, making sure nobody stands on the stairs as multiple people fell upon each other in the stampede.
To avoid crowds from swelling on the platforms, railway staff continuously made announcements on loud speakers about train timings and helping people get on the trains. Additionally, tickets are continuously being checked to ensure people do not enter platforms unchecked but the sheer volume of passengers makes it difficult for the limited railway staff to monitor everyone effectively.
At platforms 14 and 16, ropes have been set up to keep people at a safe distance from the trains. However, officials acknowledge that these measures may not be entirely effective, as passengers still rush toward general coaches as soon as a train arrives.
Meanwhile, the cleaning staff were on an overdrive as there were no signs of the stampede on the stair and platforms where chaos had descended and snuffed out precious lives barely 24 hours ago.
“As of now, our main focus is current management and future prevention. So, we are focusing on that. As far as reason (for stampede) is concerned, Railway authority will take a call on that,” DCP, Railway, K.P.S Malhotra told ANI.
Also Read: NDLS stampede leaves trail of broken families, kin who saw loved ones dying in front of them
Special trains for Maha Kumbh
To accommodate the massive crowd heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, special trains have been arranged. According to a railway official, one special train departed at 4:15 p.m Sunday, while others were scheduled for 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. later in the day along with 8pm but from Anand Vihar railway station with additional trains being considered depending on passenger numbers.
“Announcements are being made an hour before a special train’s arrival,” the official added. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had announced four special trains, though last-minute adjustments are expected.
Senior officials have been conducting rounds with their teams, focusing on platforms 14 and 15. However, despite the strengthened security, many passengers remain skeptical about long-term improvements.
On Saturday, five special trains were run for Prayagraj from Delhi area to clear extra rush.
Fear, determination among pilgrims
Despite the previous night’s tragedy, pilgrims remain undeterred in their journey to Prayagraj. “There is no use. They (government) don’t regret a thing . It’s always the family who suffers the loss, not the administration,” said Saurav, a passenger waiting for the Purva Express to Howrah via Prayagraj.
He noted that some of his family members decided not to travel after hearing about the incident, but he remained committed to making the journey. “The situation looks a little better, but let’s see.”
Lajwanti, a resident of Narwal, Haryana, was also undeterred. Traveling with her two daughters, aged 21 and 19, she had seen the disturbing videos from the stampede but remained resolute. “Ab Ganga Maiya sambhal legi (Mother Ganga will take care of us),” she said.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
Also Read: In aftermath of stampede, kin of dead think back to flashes of chaos, lack of help at NDLS