At least 18 people, including 11 women and five children, died in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night following a massive rush of passengers due to train delays and the departure of a special express train for Maha Kumbh Mela. More than a dozen people were injured and are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
The incident occurred at around 9.55 pm, prompting an immediate response from authorities. The Ministry of Railways has ordered an inquiry and formed a two-member high-level committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede.
Officials reported that overcrowding was exacerbated by train delays and the sale of approximately 1,500 general tickets.
Platforms 13 and 14 were already packed with passengers waiting for the Swatantrata Senani and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani trains, both of which were delayed. The situation intensified as the Prayagraj Express, a special train for Maha Kumbh, was scheduled to depart at 10:10 pm from platform 14.
As the departure time neared, more passengers gathered, increasing congestion. Over a thousand general tickets were purchased by passengers travelling to Maha Kumbh, further adding to the crowd.
Eyewitnesses reported that a rumour spread among passengers that the Prayagraj Express would arrive at a different platform, prompting a surge in movement. However, railway authorities denied this, stating, “No train was cancelled. The platform of any train was not changed.”
This led to passengers pushing and rushing towards the stairs, triggering the fatal stampede. The incident is part of a series of overcrowding issues linked to special trains arranged for Maha Kumbh.
Earlier this week, passengers at Bihar’s Madhubani railway station broke the glass windows of the Swatantrata Senani Express, which travels to Delhi via Prayagraj, after being unable to board.
PM Modi, President Murmu Condole Deaths
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives, stating, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences, posting on X, “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.”
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena described the incident as “unfortunate” and “tragic” and conveyed his sympathies to the victims’ families.
“My deepest condolences to the families of victims of this tragedy. I have spoken to the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner and asked them to address and redress the situation,” he said.
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