New Delhi, February 16, 2025 – A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night resulted in the deaths of 18 people, including 11 women and four children, after an overcrowding situation developed due to delayed Maha Kumbh trains, officials said.
Casualties and Relief Measures
The Chief Casualty Medical Officer of LNJP Hospital confirmed the deaths of 10 women, three children, and two men. Three more fatalities were reported at Lady Hardinge Hospital.
The Railways has ordered an inquiry and announced financial aid of Rs 10 lakh for the victims’ families, Rs 2.5 lakh for those severely injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
Among the deceased, nine victims were from Bihar, eight from Delhi, and one from Haryana. Railway officials have arranged for personnel to accompany bereaved families returning to their hometowns.
Government Response
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the incident.
“Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” President Murmu said.
PM Modi posted on X, “Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Authorities are assisting all those affected.”
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena called the incident “unfortunate and tragic,” initially referring to it as a “stampede” before later modifying his statement. He directed disaster management teams to assist and asked the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to oversee relief efforts.
How the Chaos Unfolded
The stampede occurred around 8 PM on platforms 14 and 15, where thousands of passengers were waiting to board trains to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railways, KPS Malhotra, passengers were waiting for the Prayagraj Express when delays in the departures of Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani caused severe congestion on platforms 12, 13, and 14.
Over 1,500 general tickets had been sold, and as a train arrived, passengers rushed to board, leading to panic and jostling near escalators. Video footage from the station showed two people lying unconscious as others tried to resuscitate them.
Security Measures and Political Reactions
Additional security forces and four fire engines were deployed at the station to manage the situation. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured that the situation was under control.
“Delhi Police and RPF have reached the station. Injured are being treated in hospitals. Special trains are being run to evacuate the sudden rush,” Vaishnaw posted on X.
Railway authorities have urged the public not to believe stampede rumors. However, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and LG Saxena initially referred to the event as a stampede in their statements.
Former Delhi CM Atishi blamed the Central Government for the chaos, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged the Centre to extend the Maha Kumbh duration to ease the rush.
Maha Kumbh Crowds Adding to Rail Pressure
With Maha Shivratri on February 26 marking the final day of the Maha Kumbh, large crowds are expected to travel to Prayagraj. Overcrowding incidents have already been reported at stations in Bihar, where frustrated passengers have vandalized trains.
As the Railways continues managing the crisis, authorities are working on additional special trains and crowd control measures to prevent further incidents.
