A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station claimed 18 lives, including 11 women and five children, as massive crowds gathered for trains heading to Maha Kumbh on Saturday night. The incident, which occurred around 9:55 PM, prompted an immediate investigation by railway authorities.
What Triggered the Tragedy
The stampede resulted from a perfect storm of circumstances:
- Two delayed trains (Swatantrata Senani and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani) created initial crowding
- Sale of approximately 1,500 general tickets for Maha Kumbh special train
- Prayagraj Express scheduled departure at 10:10 PM from platform 14
- Overcrowding on platforms 13 and 14
Emergency Response and Investigation
The Ministry of Railways has:
- Formed a two-member high-level committee
- Launched an immediate inquiry into the incident
- Initiated emergency response protocols at nearby hospitals
Official Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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
“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.”
President Droupadi Murmu
Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in a stampede at New Delhi Railway station. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of those injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 16, 2025
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of those injured.”
Impact and Aftermath
The incident highlights growing concerns about crowd management during major religious events:
- Over a dozen people injured and receiving treatment
- Similar incidents reported at other stations during Maha Kumbh period
- Railway authorities deny claims of platform changes or train cancellations
Safety Measures Under Review
The tragedy has prompted discussions about:
- Crowd control mechanisms at major stations
- Ticket sale regulations during peak religious events
- Emergency response protocols at transportation hubs
This incident represents one of the most significant railway station tragedies in recent years, emphasizing the need for enhanced crowd management systems during major religious gatherings.
