Crowd Swells at New Delhi Railway Station as Trains Run Late, Authorities Dismiss Stampede Claims

Heavy congestion was witnessed at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) on Sunday night as multiple train delays led to a surge in passenger numbers on platforms 12 and 13. The unexpected rush caused panic among travelers, but railway authorities and police officials clarified that there was no stampede and no injuries were reported.

The crowd buildup began around 9 PM, sparking concerns given the recent tragic stampede on February 15 at the same station, which resulted in 18 fatalities. However, officials assured that Sunday's situation was swiftly brought under control.

Delayed Trains Behind Overcrowding

According to DCP (Railway) KPS Malhotra, the congestion was caused by the cumulative delays of several trains, including:

• Shiv Ganga Express (scheduled for 8:05 PM)
• Jammu Rajdhani Express (9:25 PM)
• Lucknow Mail (10:00 PM)
• Magadh Express (9:05 PM)

Adding to the congestion, the Swatantrata Senani Express, scheduled to leave at 9:15 PM, was still stationed at the platform, exacerbating the overcrowding.

Authorities Act Swiftly to Manage Crowd

"There was no stampede-just an unusually heavy rush due to train delays. Once the trains departed, the crowd naturally thinned out," said DCP Malhotra.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel were deployed as a precautionary measure. "Our team ensured a smooth dispersal of passengers as the trains started moving. No injuries were reported," an RPF official confirmed.

A Northern Railways spokesperson also reassured passengers, stating, "While there was a surge in crowds, there was no stampede or any stampede-like situation."

Crowd Management Measures in Place
To prevent chaos, railway and police officials implemented crowd control measures, guiding passengers and maintaining order at the station. Their swift response ensured that the situation did not escalate further.

Despite the heavy rush, timely intervention by officials prevented any untoward incidents. Their proactive approach helped manage the congestion efficiently, offering relief to passengers in light of last month's unfortunate tragedy.