Security Tightened at New Delhi Railway Station Following Stampede That Claimed 18 Lives
In the wake of a tragic stampede that resulted in 18 fatalities on Saturday night, authorities have significantly tightened security measures at the New Delhi Railway Station. Officials have imposed strict restrictions, including prohibiting people from loitering on the foot overbridges unless they have a valid reason to be there. The move aims to ensure smoother passenger movement and prevent further overcrowding-related incidents.
A senior officer from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) confirmed the development on Monday, stating that many individuals were frequently found standing or waiting on the foot overbridges without any specific purpose. This unnecessary congestion, he explained, was leading to delays for passengers attempting to navigate between platforms.
“We have observed that several people gather and linger on the foot overbridges without any valid reason, often obstructing the movement of other passengers. Going forward, no one will be allowed to remain on the bridge unless they have a legitimate need to be there,” the officer told PT
In response to the deadly stampede, railway authorities have ramped up monitoring efforts, particularly for trains heading towards Prayagraj, a key destination that often witnesses high passenger volume. Security teams will be closely tracking the number of people on platforms to mitigate the risk of another stampede-like situation.
“To manage the heavy rush, we have strategically deployed security personnel from platform number 16 to platform number 13,” the officer elaborated. “They will be monitoring each train coach, managing the crowd, and ensuring orderly boarding and deboarding of passengers. Additionally, emergency response teams have been put on standby to handle any unforeseen situations swiftly.
The Delhi Police, in collaboration with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP), has significantly increased security personnel at the station. The goal is to regulate the heavy passenger flow and prevent chaos, particularly during peak hours.
“Thousands of passengers struggled to board trains on Sunday as the station remained overcrowded,” an official reported. “We have taken measures to manage the situation, including setting up barricades, intensifying patrolling, and deploying quick reaction teams (QRTs) to intervene in case of emergencies.”
To bolster surveillance efforts, authorities have enhanced CCTV monitoring at the railway station. Control rooms are now actively observing real-time footage to detect overcrowding and take proactive steps before congestion turns into a crisis.
“We are continuously monitoring crowd movement through CCTV cameras,” the officer added. “This allows us to promptly respond if a potential bottleneck situation arises.”
Foot Overbridge Restrictions and Public Announcements
Given the critical role that foot overbridges played in Saturday’s disaster, authorities are now enforcing a strict policy against unnecessary crowding on these structures. Another senior police officer reiterated that individuals will no longer be permitted to stand on foot overbridges unless necessary.
To assist commuters and prevent panic, railway authorities have ramped up public announcements. Passengers are regularly informed about train schedules, platform changes, and security measures to prevent confusion.
“We are using public address systems to guide travelers efficiently,” the officer stated. “By providing clear instructions, we aim to minimize last-minute rushes and avoid any situation that could lead to panic.”
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 10:00 PM on Saturday when a large group of passengers, confused by a mix-up in train announcements, hurried toward platform 16 using a narrow stairway. The sudden surge of people trying to ascend and descend simultaneously turned the area into a bottleneck.
As the pressure from the growing crowd intensified, panic spread rapidly, causing many to stumble and fall. Within minutes, the situation spiraled out of control, leading to a devastating human crush.
Despite the tragic loss of life, passenger congestion at the station remained severe throughout Sunday, with thousands still struggling to navigate the overcrowded platforms and foot overbridges.
Ongoing Efforts to Prevent Future Incidents
In light of Saturday’s disaster, railway officials are reassessing station infrastructure and security protocols to prevent future incidents. Discussions are underway to explore long-term measures such as expanding staircases, creating additional entry and exit points, and improving crowd management strategies.
“We are reviewing station layouts and operational procedures to ensure passenger safety,” an official stated. “The focus is on making necessary structural modifications and implementing efficient crowd control mechanisms.”
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the stampede, they remain committed to ensuring that passengers can travel safely without fear of overcrowding or mismanagement. For now, heightened security presence, strict foot-overbridge regulations, and enhanced surveillance are among the key measures being enforced at New Delhi Railway Station to maintain order and prevent another catastrophe.
