'Passengers like potato sacks in trains': AAP MP Raghav Chadha blames Indian Railways for New Delhi station stampede

NEW DELHI: AAP MP Raghav Chadha has blamed the Indian Railways for the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that claimed 18 lives and injured several others, citing "mismanagement" and "negligence."

"This entire incident shows the level of mismanagement in Indian Railways," Chadha told ANI. "I raised this issue in Parliament on February 11. Passengers are stuffed in trains like potato sacks. If someone gets a seat in the washroom, they consider themselves lucky. There is no crowd management, and if such incidents happen during Mahakumbh, how will passengers feel safe?"

Chadha also questioned the government's response, citing CAG reports on rising rail accidents. "What action will be taken? Who is responsible? The government must act."

Expressing grief over the February 15 tragedy, he said, "This incident has shaken the nation's soul. I pray for the families of the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured."

The stampede occurred around 10 pm on Saturday as thousands of devotees rushed to board trains to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh 2025, leading to severe overcrowding at the station.