Confusion around platform number of three trains caused deadly stampede at New Delhi station. 18 passengers died and dozens were injured in the stampede on February 15. Indian Railways has announced measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Officials: Overcrowding mostly due to the excess sale of general-class tickets. The sale of around 1,500 general class tickets every hour in such a situation also raised serious questions about accountability. The incident has triggered criticism about the preparedness for such large-scale events. The Railways announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those who died, Rs 2.5 lakh to those grievously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for ‘simple’ injuries. The stampede is suspected to have occurred on the same stretch of stairs and escalators between 2130 IST and 2215 IST. Eyewitnesses claimed that crowds swarmed reserved coaches, forcing out passengers and luggage to board trains. Experts believe the accident could have been prevented, had the railway authorities anticipated the surge in passengers based on unusually high ticket sales during peak hours.
