Delhi Police Enforces New Safety Measures at New Delhi Railway Station After Stampede Tragedy
the devastating stampede that claimed 18 lives and left several injured at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night, Delhi Police has implemented a range of crowd control measures aimed at preventing further tragedies. The police, along with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP), introduced these changes after a special meeting held on Monday night to address the overwhelming crowds at the station.
One of the most significant changes is that passengers who arrive too early before their scheduled train departure will now have to wait outside the station premises. This move is designed to limit congestion inside the station and ensure better crowd management, particularly during peak travel times. To further streamline the process, officials will now check tickets at all entry and exit points, ensuring that only passengers with valid tickets can enter the station, thus reducing the number of people inside at any given time.
Additionally, special trains bound for Prayagraj will now depart exclusively from platform number 16, which is accessible directly from the ground level. This change eliminates the need for passengers to use foot overbridges, which have been identified as major contributors to overcrowding and delays. This new platform arrangement is expected to help control the movement of passengers more effectively and provide a more organised departure process. Delhi Police has also introduced measures to discourage loitering on the foot overbridges. In the past, many passengers were observed standing or waiting on the overbridges, adding to the congestion. Now, anyone found loitering on the overbridges without a valid reason will be asked to move, helping to clear the walkways and facilitate smoother foot traffic.
In addition to these changes, a designated waiting area has been set up outside the station, complete with a temporary ‘pandal’ (canopy) to accommodate passengers awaiting their trains. This new waiting area will help keep passengers off the station platforms and reduce the chances of overcrowding inside the station building. On-site safety measures have been further strengthened with an increase in foot patrols by Delhi Police personnel across all platforms. Passengers will also not be allowed to sit on the platforms unless they have a valid reason. These changes are designed to create a more orderly and safer environment for commuters, particularly during busy hours when the station sees a high volume of travellers.
The recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station has been a wake-up call for the authorities to rethink how crowd control is managed at one of India’s busiest transportation hubs. These measures are an important first step towards preventing further loss of life and ensuring the safety of thousands of commuters who rely on the station every day. For commuters, the changes are a much-needed response to the chaos often witnessed during peak hours. As the new protocols take effect, passengers can expect a more organised, efficient, and safer travel experience at New Delhi Railway Station. The authorities’ swift action is expected to significantly reduce the chances of overcrowding-related incidents, allowing passengers to move through the station with greater ease and confidence. Through these steps, Delhi Police and the railways aim to create a safer environment for passengers and ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
