A fatal stampede occurred at New Delhi Railway Station on the evening of February 15, claiming 18 lives and leaving 15 injured. The accident happened around 9:15 p.m. on the staircase connecting platforms 14 and 15, where a huge crowd had gathered to catch trains to Prayagraj as part of the current Maha Kumbh.
The Railways explained that no platform changes by Northern Railway occurred, nor were any special trains cancelled.
According to the Railways, the Prayagraj Express was initially to leave from Platform No. 14. But in wake of the sheer number of passengers going to Prayagraj, a special train was arranged from Platform No. 12 to fit the additional passengers. The stampede-like situation is said to have been triggered when passengers from Platform No. 14 moved in a mad rush to Platform No. 12 to board the special train.
The Railways have categorically stated that “neither a platform change was made by Northern Railway nor was any special train cancelled”.
“It has been reported that the stampede-like situation is believed to have been triggered by a sudden movement of passengers from Platform No. 14 to board a Special train at Platform No.12. At least 18 people lost their lives in the stampede, three sustained grievous injuries, and 12 suffered minor injuries,” the Railways said.
On-site medical aid was provided to the injured at Lok Nayak Jayprakash Narayan Hospital and Lady Hardinge's College.
As a reaction to the tragedy, the Railways announced a compensation package: Rs 10 lakh to the families of the dead, Rs 2.5 lakh to the critically injured, and Rs 1 lakh to the less injured. The compensation money has already been released to the victims' families.
To handle the increasing number of people, the Railways had already run five special trains from the Delhi area to Prayagraj.
“Yesterday, five special trains were run for Prayagraj from Delhi area to clear extra rush. Special trains are being run to clear extra rush as per demand for Prayagraj. Today, four special trains are planned for Prayagraj. Two trains have left and two more to go,” the Railways added.
At the top level, a detailed inquiry into the ghastly accident has been initiated.
The top officials, such as Nar Singh, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, and Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, will head the investigation. Officially, the investigation began on February 16, 2025.
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