Delhi HC Questions Indian Railways on Extra Ticket Sales After NDLS Stampede
- Posted on February 19, 2025
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
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The Delhi High Court questioned Indian Railways over extra ticket sales after the February 15 NDLS stampede that killed 18 people. The court demanded strict enforcement of passenger limits and platform ticket rules. With overcrowding worsening, the next hearing is scheduled for March 26.
The Delhi High Court has questioned Indian Railways over the sale of extra tickets following the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) on February 15, which claimed 18 lives and left 15 injured. The court emphasised the need for strict implementation of regulations to prevent similar incidents.
During a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) regarding the stampede, Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the Railways to examine the issues at the highest level and submit an affidavit outlining the steps taken. The court highlighted Sections 57 and 147 of the Railways Act, which set limits on passengers per compartment and mandate platform tickets for station entry.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Railways, acknowledged the "unprecedented" crowd situation on the night of the stampede, largely due to Maha Kumbh pilgrims traveling to Prayagraj. He assured the court that the concerns raised would be addressed. However, the court questioned why tickets were being oversold beyond the permitted capacity, stating, “If the legal provisions were perhaps implemented adequately, such incidents of stampede could be avoided.”
With overcrowding and ticketless passengers exacerbating travel chaos, incidents of train vandalism have also been reported. Many passengers have resorted to locking train doors from the inside to prevent further crowding, leaving others stranded.
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The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 26, urging Indian Railways to take immediate corrective measures. The case has sparked fresh concerns over railway safety and crowd management in India’s busiest transit hubs.
