In response to the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that resulted in 18 fatalities and injured 15 others, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court on Monday demanding immediate measures to avert such disasters in the future. The petition, lodged by advocate Vishal Tiwari, calls for the urgent implementation of recommendations from a 2014 National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) report on managing crowds at mass gathering venues.
The PIL urges the court to issue a writ of mandamus directing the central government and state authorities to collaborate by forming an expert committee tasked with developing guidelines to prevent stampedes. It highlights a crucial need for enhanced safety measures at railway stations, including the expansion of corridors, construction of wider over-bridges and platforms, and the installation of ramps and escalators to facilitate easier access, especially during peak travel times.
Additionally, the petition requests that changes to train arrival or departure platforms be strictly regulated to avoid sudden crowd movements that can lead to dangerous situations. Despite advancements in technology and the presence of ample security personnel, the plea argues that recurrent stampedes signify a significant lapse in preparedness and public safety protocols.
The PIL also criticizes the apparent prioritization of security measures for VIPs over the general public, questioning why cutting-edge technology and resources are not being equally utilized to safeguard ordinary citizens.
Furthermore, the plea seeks a directive for the Railways and relevant authorities to submit a detailed status report on the recent stampede incident. According to the petition, the deadly crush occurred amid a surge of passengers on platforms 12 and 14, who were waiting to board trains to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh festival.
