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Stampede at Delhi Station Claims 18 Lives Amid Kumbh Rush
A devastating stampede at New Delhi railway station on February 15, 2025, resulted in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, including women and children. The incident occurred as thousands of pilgrims gathered to board trains to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious festivals in the world.
Overcrowding and Confusion Lead to Disaster
The tragedy unfolded between 9:15 PM and 9:30 PM local time on platforms 14 and 15. Delays of two trains had caused impatience among the waiting passengers. Further confusion arose due to the similar names of the “Prayagraj Special,” arriving at platform 16, and the “Prayagraj Express,” already at platform 14, leading some passengers to believe they were at the wrong platform. As crowds moved across the footbridge connecting the platforms, some individuals slipped while descending, possibly due to a passenger fainting, resulting in a crushing pile of people. The situation escalated rapidly as panic spread through the overcrowded station.
Immediate Response and Aftermath
Porters at the station were among the first to respond, assisting victims and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals, as ambulances struggled to navigate the congested area. Emergency services, including four fire tenders, arrived promptly to manage the situation. Authorities have since deployed additional Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to enhance crowd management and prevent further incidents.
Official Statements and Compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident, stating, “Distressed by the stampede.” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a high-level investigation to determine the cause of the stampede, comprising Northern Railway’s Principal Chief Commercial Manager and Principal Chief Safety Commissioner. The Railway Ministry has also declared a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for those with serious injuries, and ₹1 lakh for individuals with minor injuries.
Historical Context and Safety Concerns
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every three years in one of four Indian cities, attracts millions of Hindu devotees who gather to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. This year’s festival coincided with a rare celestial alignment occurring once every 144 years, leading to an estimated 400 to 500 million pilgrims attending since mid-January. Despite the festival’s significance, it has a history of crowd-related tragedies. Overcrowding at transportation hubs like the New Delhi railway station remains a critical concern, especially during large-scale events.
Authorities are urged to implement stringent crowd control measures and ensure clear communication to prevent such incidents in the future. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in addressing safety protocols and preventing recurrence of such tragedies.
