Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Claims 18 Lives Amid Maha Kumbh Rush

In a tragic incident on February 15, 2025, a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station resulted in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, including 11 women and 5 children. The chaos erupted as thousands of pilgrims gathered to board trains to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, leading to overcrowding and panic.

Overcrowding and Confusion Lead to Tragedy

The stampede occurred around 8:00 PM local time when an unexpected platform change was announced, causing confusion among the passengers. Witnesses reported that the sudden directive led to a surge of people moving between platforms, resulting in individuals slipping and falling on a footbridge connecting platforms 14 and 15. The ensuing panic escalated into a deadly stampede.

Immediate Aftermath and Response

Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene. Many of the injured were transported to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital for treatment. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a high-level investigation into the incident and declared a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating he was “distressed by the stampede” and extended prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Calls for Improved Crowd Management

This incident has sparked criticism regarding the preparedness and crowd management strategies of railway authorities, especially during significant religious events like the Maha Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions of devotees. Opposition leaders have demanded accountability and improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the investigation continues, there is a growing call for the implementation of more robust crowd control protocols and infrastructure enhancements to ensure the safety of passengers during large-scale events.