Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Kills 18 Amid Maha Kumbh Rush
New Delhi, February 16, 2025 – A deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 people dead and over a dozen injured, as thousands of passengers rushed to board trains heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh. The tragedy unfolded on platforms 14 and 15, with conflicting reports about the cause of the incident.
Chaos and Confusion: What Led to the Stampede?
The stampede reportedly began on the foot-over bridge connecting platforms 14 and 15, as a massive crowd attempted to reach their trains.
🔹 Initial reports suggested that a last-minute platform change for the Prayagraj Special train led to confusion and panic.
🔹 Northern Railway officials, however, denied this, stating that the chaos started when a passenger slipped on the stairs, causing others to fall and triggering a chain reaction.
🔹 Eyewitnesses have contradicted the official version. Poonam Devi, whose relative died in the stampede, said a sudden train arrival announcement created a rush. A railway porter also claimed that the Prayagraj Special was originally scheduled at platform 12 but was later moved to platform 16, adding to the confusion and overcrowding.
Delhi Police Investigates CCTV Footage
Authorities have launched a high-level investigation, with Delhi Police reviewing CCTV footage and railway announcements to establish what led to the tragedy.
🔹 A senior police official confirmed that they are examining train schedules, crowd movement, and ticket sales to determine whether mismanagement played a role.
🔹 Sources within the railway department pointed out that up to 1,500 general tickets were sold per hour, adding to the overcrowding problem.
Railways Announces Compensation for Victims
In response to the tragedy, the Indian Railways announced financial aid for victims’ families:
✅ ₹10 lakh for families of the deceased.
✅ ₹2.5 lakh for seriously injured individuals.
✅ ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
Among the 18 dead, 11 were women and four were children, with many victims hailing from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and northern states.
High-Level Probe Ordered
To prevent future tragedies, the Railways has set up a two-member investigation committee to review crowd management policies. The panel, led by senior railway officials Narsingh Deo and Pankaj Gangwar, will recommend safety improvements for handling large gatherings during major events.
A Wake-Up Call for Passenger Safety
The New Delhi Railway Station stampede has raised serious concerns about crowd control, particularly during major religious gatherings like the Maha Kumbh, which attracts millions of devotees.
As investigations continue, families of the victims demand accountability, urging the Railways to improve safety measures and prevent similar disasters in the future.
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