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Mahakumbh: Centre tightens security at New Delhi railway station after horrific stampede; passenger rush to Prayagraj continues

Over 50 million pligrims have taken by Mahakumbh mela so far. Two-member expert committee begins probe into Saturday's stampede

(File) Women security personnel stand guard at the New Delhi railway station | PTI

A day after the horrific death of 18 Mahakumbh-bound pilgrims in a horrific stampede at New Delhi railway station, the Centre has deployed additional forces at the station premises to manage the crowd. According to authorities, the station was crowded even on Sunday.

Tight security arrangements were made at New Delhi railway station deploying additional personnel of central security forces.  The Centre has deployed additional personnel from the Delhi police, Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police to manage the crowd at the station, mostly heading to Prayagraj to attend Mahakumbh.

"We have set up barricades, intensified patrolling, and deployed quick reaction teams to prevent any further incidents. CCTV surveillance has also been enhanced, with control rooms monitoring real-time footage for crowd control," a railway official told PTI.  Additionally, regular announcements are being made by authorities through public announcement system to avoid a panic situation.

However, despite the tragic stampede on Saturday, the station remained overcrowded on Sunday. The Northern Railway operated four special trains to Prayagraj on Sunday to manage the unprecedented rush at the station. The railway has scheduled five special trains in the Prayagraj route on Monday to manage the unprecedented crowd. To avoid a situation similar to Saturday, Railway has also decided to operate trains to Prayagraj only from platform 16.

The Mahakumbh mela, which started on January 13 will continue till February 26 and over 50 million pilgrims have taken part in the grand festival so far. As many as 18 persons were killed and several suffered injuries in a stampede at the New Delhi railway station on Saturday night. According to railway officials, mix-up in train announcements led to the stampede, as passengers rushed to platform 16 via a narrow stairway to board a train to Prayagraj.

The railway ministry ordered a probe by high-level committee on Sunday and they have begun their inquiry. Northern Railway said the committee comprises Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, and Nar Singh, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of the division and the probe is underway.