New Delhi Railway Station stampede: 18 dead, inquiry ordered
What's the story
A stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left at least 18 people dead, including 11 women and four children. The incident was caused by a rush of passengers trying to board trains heading to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Over a dozen people were injured in the chaos that ensued on platforms 14 and 15.
Chaos details
Stampede exacerbated by delayed trains and overcrowding
The situation was compounded by the delay of several trains, including the Prayagraj Express, Swatantrata Senani Express, and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani Express. This resulted in severe overcrowding as thousands of passengers thronged the platforms. Reports suggest that every hour, 1,500 general tickets were being sold. Eyewitnesses described a scene of intense pushing and jostling among passengers struggling to breathe in the packed conditions.
Investigation launched
Ministry of Railways orders high-level inquiry
In the wake of the tragedy, the Ministry of Railways has ordered a high-level inquiry. A two-member committee will look into the circumstances leading to the stampede. Financial aid has been announced for victims' families. ₹10 lakh has been allocated for those who lost their loved ones, ₹2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for those who suffered minor injuries.
Condolences extended
National leaders express distress over stampede incident
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pained by the incident. He said, "My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery." President Droupadi Murmu and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed their condolences. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena visited LNJP hospital where victims were admitted and assured train operations have returned to normalcy.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 15, 2025
Safety concerns
Criticism and calls for improved safety measures
Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi slammed both central and Uttar Pradesh governments for poor arrangements for devotees heading to Maha Kumbh. "Such an incident is very sad. Neither central government nor Uttar Pradesh government are concerned about safety of people," she wrote on X in Hindi. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called for extending the Maha Kumbh duration as overwhelming crowds were still trying to reach Prayagraj.