New Delhi – A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night claimed the lives of at least 18 people, including 11 women and four children, while over a dozen others sustained injuries. The incident occurred due to a massive rush of passengers attempting to board trains to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh.
According to railway authorities, the chaos erupted on platform number 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. The situation worsened as passengers from the delayed Swantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani Express gathered on adjacent platforms, leading to overcrowding.
The Ministry of Railways has announced a high-level inquiry into the incident. Expressing his grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
The government has announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
A victim’s brother recounted the ordeal, stating, “We were 12 people traveling for the Maha Kumbh. We got stuck on the stairs due to the crowd. It took us half an hour to find my sister, but by then, she had passed away.”
An Indian Air Force (IAF) official, who witnessed the tragedy, revealed, “I tried to make announcements to prevent overcrowding, but no one was listening.”
President Droupadi Murmu and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed their condolences, with the latter calling it “extremely sad and heartbreaking.” Opposition leaders, including Atishi from AAP, criticized the central and Uttar Pradesh governments for inadequate crowd management.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that he had spoken with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Delhi authorities to ensure immediate relief measures. A two-member high-level committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to extend the Maha Kumbh duration to manage the massive influx of devotees.
The railway station has now returned to normal operations, and injured passengers are receiving treatment at LNJP Hospital. Officials are continuing their efforts to prevent further mishaps as more devotees travel to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh pilgrimage.
