Today, we are discussing a deeply disturbing and emotional issue—one that reveals a harsh reality about our country. The recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station has shocked not just Indians but the world. It raises serious questions about our crowd management systems, civic sense, and the overall preparedness of our authorities.
What Happened in New Delhi?
A horrifying incident occurred at the capital’s most critical transport hub—New Delhi Railway Station—where 18 people lost their lives in a stampede. Videos showed a massive crowd gathered at platforms 12 to 15, with people panicking and pushing each other. One person fell, and soon panic took over, leading to a deadly chain reaction.
Sadly, this was not the only recent incident. Just days ago, another stampede happened in Prayagraj, where over 30 lives were reportedly lost. Earlier in January 2025, six people died in a similar incident in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
Why Did This Happen?
The core reason was overbooking of general class tickets. On an average day, around 7,000 general tickets are booked between 6 PM and 8 PM at New Delhi station. But on the day of the incident, the number spiked to over 9,600—a rise of more than 2,600 tickets.
This surge was likely due to people traveling to Prayagraj for religious events, but the authorities failed to anticipate the crowd and prepare accordingly. No additional security, no crowd barriers, no alert systems—nothing.
The Pattern: India Tops the List
If you check global data on fatal stampedes, India appears again and again. In fact, of the five most recent global incidents, three happened in India.
- Tirupati (January 2025)
- Prayagraj (March 2025)
- New Delhi (April 2025)
In 2024, the Hathras tragedy claimed 123 lives. Earlier, in 2017, 22 people died in Mumbai during a stampede at Elphinstone railway station. Why is this pattern repeating?
Why Is This Mostly an Indian Problem?
Stampedes are extremely rare in developed nations. When they do happen, like the tragic Seoul incident in 2022, governments immediately act with reforms and strict laws. In contrast, in India, these events are almost normalized.
Even worse—this is not limited to one region. From Jammu & Kashmir to Maharashtra, stampedes have occurred across the country. It is a pan-India problem rooted in two critical issues:
1. Poor Government Preparedness
Authorities must enforce strict crowd control protocols. There must be real-time ticket monitoring, restrictions on platform access, and active deployment of police and emergency teams. Simple steps like clear signage, crowd barriers, and emergency exits can save lives.
2. Lack of Civic Sense Among Citizens
We must acknowledge this uncomfortable truth: many of us lack basic civic behaviour. Whether in Delhi, Mumbai, or even London—where Indian immigrants were recently filmed pushing and shoving at a bus stop—the tendency to break lines, rush forward, and ignore public etiquette is deeply ingrained.
This is not about blaming citizens, but about realizing that civic education is missing in our upbringing. Schools, local governments, and media must take responsibility for promoting public discipline.
What Can Be Done?
- Supreme Court Intervention: Several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have been filed, demanding strict crowd management laws. The apex court must push for nationwide protocols.
- Massive Public Awareness Campaigns: Like Swachh Bharat or COVID-19 vaccination drives, India now needs a Sivics Sense Campaign—teaching people how to behave in public spaces.
- Use of Technology: Real-time crowd monitoring, digital tickets, and AI-based alerts can prevent overcrowding at sensitive locations.
We Must Wake Up Now
It is heartbreaking to see headlines repeatedly mentioning “India” whenever a stampede happens. We are being observed by the world. The global media is watching, questioning how a potential superpower is failing to manage its crowds—even in its capital city.