Tragic Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Claims 18 Lives Amid Maha Kumbh Rush
February 15, 2025
A devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station late Saturday night claimed 18 lives, including 14 women and 4 children, and left dozens injured. The tragedy unfolded as thousands of passengers rushed to board trains for the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
What Led to the Stampede?
The chaos began around 9:30–10:00 PM on platforms 12–14, where overcrowding escalated due to delayed trains and sudden platform changes. The Prayagraj Express, initially scheduled to depart from platform 12, was shifted to platform 16, causing confusion among passengers. Eyewitnesses described a surge of people rushing toward platform 16, colliding with crowds from other platforms. A porter, working since 1981, stated, “I never saw such a crowd before… People fell on escalators and stairs, leaving shoes and clothes scattered”.
Delays in the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani worsened congestion. Railway officials reported selling 1,500 general tickets hourly, leading to uncontrollable footfall. Blocked staircases on platforms 14 and 15 further trapped passengers, triggering suffocation and a fatal push-and-fall scenario.
Victims and Immediate Response
Among the deceased were Aaha Devi (79) from Bihar and Riya Singh (7) from Delhi, highlighting the toll on women and children. Injured passengers were rushed to LNJP Hospital and Lady Hardinge Hospital, where Delhi’s caretaker Chief Minister, Atishi, confirmed 15 bodies on arrival.
Authorities announced ₹10 lakh compensation for families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for the seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for minor injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed distress, stating, “My thoughts are with the bereaved families”, while Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ordered a high-level probe.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the incident as a “failure of railway management,” urging better arrangements for devotees. Delhi LG VK Saxena and UP CM Yogi Adityanath also mourned the losses, with Adityanath calling the incident “heartbreaking”.
Investigation Underway
A two-member committee and Delhi Police are analyzing CCTV footage and announcements to determine if a wrong platform change alert contributed to the chaos. Railway officials admitted underestimating the crowd despite deploying extra trains and RPF personnel.
Aftermath and Lessons
Four special trains were arranged to clear the rush, while NDRF teams assisted rescue operations. Survivors like Dharmendra Singh recounted, “The station was overcrowded… women were carried on stretchers”.
This tragedy underscores chronic issues in India’s crowd management during festivals. With the Maha Kumbh ongoing, questions arise about preparedness for such large-scale events. As families grieve and investigations continue, the nation mourns a preventable disaster that highlights systemic gaps in public safety.
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