Rahul Gandhi Slams Railways Over New Delhi Station Stampede Incident

India (16 February, 2025): A horrifying stampede at New Delhi Railway Station claimed 18 lives and left many injured. Thousands of devotees were heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh festival when the station became overcrowded. The sudden rush led to a tragic accident, raising serious concerns about crowd management at railway stations.

Rahul Gandhi’s Reaction

Rahul Gandhi took to social media to express his grief over the incident. Calling it "extremely saddening," he criticised the Railways and the government for their negligence. He stated that better crowd control measures should have been in place, considering the massive number of devotees traveling for the festival.

What Led to the Stampede?

Reports suggest that the chaos began when a passenger slipped on the stairs leading to platforms 14 and 15. The heavy crowd, already struggling for space, triggered a chain reaction, leading to a stampede. Delays in train departures, especially the Prayagraj Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani, added to the congestion.

Rescue Operations and Response

Authorities quickly launched rescue operations. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) confirmed that the situation was under control. Injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals, and special trains were arranged to ease congestion at the station. However, the damage had already been done.

Government’s Stand on the Incident

The Railway Board announced a two-member high-level committee to investigate the matter. Officials stated that all necessary steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. However, opposition leaders and the public are demanding immediate reforms in railway infrastructure and crowd management.

Could This Have Been Prevented?

Experts believe that better coordination between railway authorities and security personnel could have prevented this disaster. Simple steps like controlled entry points, proper queue management, and emergency response drills can make a significant difference.

Public Outrage and Demand for Accountability

The incident has sparked nationwide outrage. Passengers and families of victims are questioning why such incidents keep repeating. Many are demanding that railway officials take responsibility and ensure that no lives are lost due to mismanagement in the future.

The Way Forward

While condolences and investigations continue, the focus must shift towards preventing such tragedies. Indian Railways needs to implement modern crowd control strategies, improve station infrastructure, and enhance passenger safety measures. Without these reforms, another tragedy like this might not be far away.