Govt paid ₹2.01 crore to Delhi station stampede victims: Vaishnaw
On Wednesday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that the government has paid a total of ₹2.01 crore as compensation to the families of the victims of the February 15 stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. The tragic incident occurred when a large number of people rushed to board trains to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela, resulting in the deaths of 18 people and injuries to 15 others.
The stampede was a devastating event that sent shockwaves across the country, with many people still reeling from the loss of life and the trauma caused by the incident. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the government and the railway authorities sprang into action to provide relief and compensation to the affected families.
According to Vaishnaw, the compensation was paid to 33 families who were affected by the incident. The total amount of ₹2.01 crore is a significant gesture of goodwill and support from the government to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy.
The Railway Minister also took the opportunity to inform the Lok Sabha about the infrastructure upgrades that are being undertaken to prevent such incidents in the future. He mentioned that new rail lines and road bridges are being constructed to improve the flow of traffic and reduce congestion at the station.
The stampede at New Delhi Railway Station was a stark reminder of the need for better infrastructure and crowd management at busy railway stations. The incident highlighted the risks and challenges associated with managing large crowds, and the need for railway authorities to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
In addition to the compensation paid to the affected families, the government and the railway authorities have also taken several other measures to improve safety and security at the station. These include the installation of CCTV cameras, the deployment of additional security personnel, and the implementation of improved crowd management systems.
The tragedy at New Delhi Railway Station has also led to a renewed focus on safety and crowd management at other railway stations across the country. The Indian Railways has launched a series of initiatives aimed at improving safety and reducing the risk of accidents and stampedes at its stations.
One of the key initiatives launched by the Indian Railways is the “Station Redevelopment Programme”. This programme aims to modernize and upgrade the infrastructure of railway stations across the country, with a focus on improving safety, accessibility, and passenger experience.
Another initiative launched by the Indian Railways is the “Crowd Management System”. This system uses advanced technologies such as CCTV cameras, sensors, and analytics to monitor and manage crowds at railway stations. The system provides real-time data to station authorities, enabling them to take proactive measures to prevent overcrowding and reduce the risk of accidents and stampedes.
In conclusion, the payment of ₹2.01 crore to the families of the victims of the February 15 stampede at New Delhi Railway Station is a significant gesture of goodwill and support from the government. The incident was a tragic reminder of the need for better infrastructure and crowd management at busy railway stations, and the need for railway authorities to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the Indian Railways continues to work towards improving safety and reducing the risk of accidents and stampedes, it is crucial that the government and the railway authorities continue to work together to provide support and compensation to the affected families. By doing so, we can ensure that the memory of the victims of the stampede is not forgotten, and that we can build a safer and more secure future for all railway passengers.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/89b06c38-5639-40ba-92da-8744dcc166c4
