In a recent turn of events that has put a spotlight on infrastructure safety, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) finds itself in the midst of a crisis following a tragic incident at the Gokulpuri Metro Station, located on the city’s Pink Line. On the morning of Thursday, at approximately 11:04 AM, calamity struck when a section of the wall adjacent to the station’s ‘up’ platform gave way, tumbling onto the road below. This unforeseen event resulted in injuries to five individuals who were subsequently transported to the nearest medical facility to receive urgent care.
The gravity of the situation escalated when it was later confirmed by DMRC officials that one of the victims, a 53-year-old man, succumbed to his injuries. In response to this heartbreaking outcome, the DMRC has stepped forward with a compensation plan to support the affected families and individuals. The family of the deceased is to receive a compensation amounting to Rs 25 lakh as a gesture of support and acknowledgment of the immense loss suffered. Further, the corporation has outlined financial assistance for the injured, offering Rs 5 lakh to those grievously hurt and Rs 1 lakh to individuals who sustained minor injuries in the incident.
In an immediate reaction to the collapse, the DMRC has taken disciplinary action by suspending two officials within its ranks. A manager and a junior engineer, both from the civil department, have been relieved of their duties pending further investigation. This move underscores the seriousness with which the corporation is treating the incident, highlighting their commitment to accountability and the safety of both passengers and the general public.
The initial response by DMRC included ex-gratia payments of Rs 50,000 for minor injuries, Rs 2.5 lakh for grievous injuries, and Rs 15 lakh to the bereaved family of the deceased. These figures were subsequently revised upwards, reflecting the organization’s recognition of the severity of the incident and its impact on the lives of those affected.
In the aftermath of this unfortunate event, the Delhi government has called upon the DMRC to form an expert committee dedicated to investigating the root causes of the wall collapse. This committee is expected to conduct a thorough examination of the factors leading to the incident and propose measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Kailash Gahlot, a minister in the Delhi government, made the announcement, signaling a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns and reinforcing public confidence in the city’s metro network.
The DMRC’s immediate response to the incident also included a comprehensive review of safety protocols across the entire metro network. Vikas Kumar, the managing director of DMRC, has directed all relevant departments to undertake rigorous safety checks to ensure that the infrastructure is secure and to mitigate the risk of similar incidents. The corporation’s commitment to safety was further demonstrated by the swift action taken to clear the debris from the road, which was completed within an hour of the collapse to facilitate the resumption of normal traffic flow.
As a precautionary measure, the DMRC has temporarily modified train services on the Pink Line. A segment of the line between Maujpur and Shiv Vihar is currently operating on a single track to allow for repairs to the damaged portion of the Gokulpuri station. Meanwhile, train operations on the rest of the Pink Line are proceeding as usual, minimizing disruption to commuters while ensuring safety is not compromised.
The incident has also been officially reported to the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), an essential step in the investigation process and a measure of transparency in handling the situation. DMRC officials have also made their presence known at the hospital, providing assistance to the injured and ensuring that they receive the necessary care and support during this challenging time.
This tragic event at Gokulpuri Metro Station has cast a spotlight on the importance of infrastructure safety and the need for vigilant maintenance and oversight. As the DMRC and the Delhi government move forward with their investigations and the implementation of corrective measures, the focus remains on learning from this incident to prevent future tragedies and to reaffirm the commitment to the safety and well-being of all who rely on Delhi’s metro system for their daily commute.