PIL Filed Before Supreme Court In Wake Of New Delhi Railway Station Stampede
The PIL states that, in order to curb incidents of stampedes, the Union Government, along with all states, must coordinate and implement safety measures and guidelines
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court of India in the wake of the recent stampede that occurred at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night, which claimed the lives of nearly 18 people and left 15 others injured.
"........ The stampede was preceded by a swell in the crowd of passengers waiting to board trains for Prayagraj — where the Maha Kumbh is underway — on platform number 12 and 14 of the station. The stampede happened late Saturday while thousands of people were gathered at the New Delhi railway station waiting to board a train. The incident occurred after some passengers slipped and fell on others while coming down from a footbridge that connects train platforms....., " the PIL reads.
Filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari, the PIL seeks directions to the Union and all states to coordinate and work collectively by constituting an expert committee that will frame guidelines and measures to prevent incidents of stampedes.
It has further urged the authorities to implement the recommendations of the National Disaster Management Authority’s 2014 report, titled Managing Crowds at Events and Venues of Mass Gatherings.
"In 2014, the National Disaster Management Authority under the government of India issued a comprehensive detailed report about “Managing Crowds at Events and Venues of Mass Gathering” in which very valuable suggestions and steps were framed which may prevent Stampedes and unfortunate accidents but these have not been implemented practically by the State Governments, "the PIL submits.
Furthermore, the PIL seeks directions to the authorities to submit a status report on the stampede incident that occurred on February 15 at the New Delhi Railway Station.
While stressing for an improved railway infrastructure, the PIL seeks directions to the Indian Railways to take measures for the safety of passengers at railway stations and platforms. "This includes widening corridors, constructing broader overbridges and platforms, ensuring easy access to platforms through ramps and escalators, during peak hours, any changes to arrival or departure platforms should be strictly avoided. Utilizing barriers, ropes, and crowd control gates to manage passenger flow is essential as not to distribute tickets at a time above the number of Passengers who may Gather and Accommodate at a Railway Station as per the Space available."
Highlighting the recent surge in stampede incidents, the PIL states that even in today's day and age, when the country is fully equipped with technology such as CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence, such incidents taking place indicates a failure and negligence of authorities, for which common people bear the price.
"For a few high-class people and VIP Government can deploy the best facility and security but the common citizens are always left to their fate," it adds.
On 30 January, a PIL was filed before the Supreme Court of India following a tragic stampede that struck the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, seeking directions to implement robust safety measures and guidelines for the pilgrims attending the world’s largest congregation.
The PIL sought directions for all states to collaborate to ensure the safety of the pilgrims attending the congregation. It further urges all states to establish facilitation centres at the Kumbh, which should display basic information regarding safety measures and guidelines for people coming from other states.