NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday interacted with porters at the New Delhi railway station and lauded their efforts in saving many passengers during stampede which claimed the lives of 18 people last month.
After the interaction, Rahul took to X and said, “Often the light of humanity shines the brightest in the darkest times. During the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, the porter brothers set an example of humanity and saved the lives of many passengers. For this, I thanked them today on behalf of the countrymen.”
He also urged the government to draw lessons from the February 15 tragedy and hoped concrete steps would be taken to prevent such incidents and ensure safe travel.
“But it is important to draw lessons from such accidents. These can be prevented by crowd control, use of modern technology, better infrastructure and strengthening emergency arrangements. It is hoped that the government will take concrete steps in this direction so that passengers of every class can travel safely,” he added.
At least 18 people were killed in the incident which occurred as the New Delhi Railway Station witnessed a surge of passengers waiting to board trains for Prayagraj – where the Maha Kumbh was underway.
During the interaction Rahul also listened to the problems faced by the porters. Porters also shared their demands, which included Group D jobs and better medical facilities.
“We are happy that Rahul Gandhi came to meet us. He listened to all our problems, and we hope that he will solve them. He stayed here for about 40 minutes and listened to us,” porter Dipesh Meena told news agency ANI.
Earlier in September 2023, Congress MP paid a visit to the Anand Vihar railway station in Delhi. During his visit, he wore a porter’s uniform and carried a baggage on his head.