In the wake of the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that claimed 18 lives, the Ministry of Railways has announced a new operational plan to prevent further chaos.
According to an official release, all special trains heading to Prayagraj will now depart exclusively from Platform 16, directing passengers to use the Ajmeri Gate side of the station. Regular train operations will continue as per the existing platform allocations.
A Delhi Police investigation into the stampede revealed that the incident was triggered by confusion over train announcements. The Prayagraj Special was announced to be arriving at Platform 16, while the Prayagraj Express was already stationed at Platform 14. Many passengers, believing their train had shifted platforms, rushed towards Platform 16, leading to overcrowding and panic.
To enhance passenger safety, the Central government has deployed additional RPF and GRP personnel at NDLS.
Meanwhile, a two-member high-level committee — comprising Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, and Nar Singh, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway — has begun its probe into the incident.
Earlier in the day, Indian Railways announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each deceased victim.