A day after the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, Northern Railway has implemented several measures to prevent such incidents in the future. To manage the overwhelming rush of devotees traveling to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh, it has been decided that special trains in this direction will depart primarily from Platform 16 whenever possible. Passengers have been advised to use the Ajmeri Gate entrance and exit for smoother movement. Regular train operations will continue as usual from other platforms, but this arrangement aims to prevent overcrowding at peak hours.
Security has been tightened at the station, with additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel deployed to assist passengers and manage the crowds. In response to the heavy influx of travelers, Northern Railway has already operated three special trains towards Prayagraj, including one via Darbhanga, with another scheduled for departure later in the evening. Given the rising demand, five more special trains have been scheduled for February 17 to accommodate devotees heading to Mahakumbh.
Indian Railways has urged the public not to fall prey to rumors and to rely only on official announcements to avoid unnecessary chaos. The tragic incident at the station was exacerbated by misinformation, leading to confusion and panic. Passengers are requested to follow operational guidelines to ensure safe and smooth travel. To assist travelers during this rush period, the railway helpline number 139 continues to function actively, having already received over 130 calls related to the incident by 5 PM today.
In a compassionate gesture, railway personnel have extended full support to the families affected by the tragedy. Officials personally accompanied the families of all 18 deceased individuals to their homes and took part in their final rites. The Indian Railways has also disbursed ex-gratia payments, providing ₹10 lakh to the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh to the grievously injured, and ₹1 lakh to those with minor injuries.
To ensure accountability, a high-level two-member committee has begun investigating the cause of the incident. The committee consists of Shri Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, and Shri Nar Singh, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, both senior officials tasked with conducting a thorough probe.
As Indian Railways continues to make efforts to ensure passenger safety, it appeals to all travelers to cooperate with authorities and follow designated procedures. With these measures in place, the focus remains on providing a safer and more organized travel experience for the large number of devotees making their way to Mahakumbh.
