15 Killed In Stampede At New Delhi Railway Station Amid Maha Kumbh Rush, PM Modi Expresses Grief

Last Updated:February 16, 2025, 01:17 IST

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

Delhi Stampede: At least fifteen individuals, including three children, lost their lives in a stampede that occurred at the New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday evening.

The incident took place after hundreds of passengers suddenly gathered on platforms 13 and 14 in a span of 15-20 minutes. The chaotic situation led to a stampede, resulting in numerous injuries and unfortunately, fifteen fatalities at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital (LNJP).

Government Reactions and Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “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.”

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also conveyed condolences and affirmed, “Deeply saddened by the unfortunate stampede that occurred at New Delhi Railway Station. My prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones. The entire team is working to assist all those who have been affected by this tragic incident.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added, “Devastating news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am extremely pained by the loss of lives due to stampede on Railway platform. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Investigation Ordered

The Ministry of Railways has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, following the tragic loss of life. Video footage captured by passengers at the station shows massive crowds on the platforms, highlighting the scale of the problem.

The Incident Unfolding

The incident occurred as the Indian Railways were grappling with a significant surge in passenger numbers en route to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. A large crowd had gathered on platforms 13 and 14, with the arrival of the Prayagraj Express.

Additionally, delays for two other trains, the Swatantrata Senani Express and the Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani, caused further congestion on platforms 12, 13, and 14. The sudden influx of passengers, exacerbated by the sale of 1500 general tickets, led to an uncontrollable and dangerous situation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra explained, “As per the information, 1500 general tickets were sold – that’s why the crowd became uncontrollable. There was a stampede-like situation at platform no. 14 and near the escalator.”

Immediate Response and Evacuation Efforts

Upon the occurrence of the stampede, emergency services including the Delhi Police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) promptly responded to the scene, evacuating the injured to LNJP Hospital. Railway officials reported running special trains to manage the unprecedented rush.

The Deputy Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northern Railways, Himanshu Shekhar, confirmed the measures taken. “Special trains being run to evacuate sudden rush,” he stated.

Denial of Stampede by Railway Officials

Besides the tragic accounts, the Railways Ministry denied the occurrence of a stampede, attributing the disturbance to overcrowding and the spread of misinformation through a video. According to railway officials, additional trains were running to alleviate the rush of passengers.

Leaders Mobilizing and Monitoring

Delhi Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, expressed his concern, constantly monitoring the situation. He instructed the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to take all necessary steps to address the issue.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi criticized the authorities’ inadequate safety measures and transportation facilities for the pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Atishi posted on X, “Such an incident with devotees traveling for the Mahakumbh is extremely unfortunate. Neither the central government nor the Uttar Pradesh government seems concerned about people’s safety. There are no proper arrangements in Prayagraj, nor are there adequate transportation facilities for devotees coming from different states.”

Conclusion and Recommendations

The tragic event at New Delhi Railway Station highlights the critical need for improved safety measures and emergency protocols during peak travel times, especially during major religious gatherings. Proper crowd management strategies and more efficient train services could mitigate similar incidents in the future.

It is imperative that leaders and authorities prioritize the safety and well-being of the masses, addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such incidents. The collaborative efforts of government officials, railway departments, and public agencies can significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of public transportation systems.

As the investigation continues, it is hoped that lessons will be learned from this tragedy, leading to systemic changes that ensure the safety of all passengers. The resilience and humanity shown by emergency responders and officials in the immediate aftermath serve as a beacon of hope during these challenging times.

The impact of this incident extends beyond the numbers affected, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and public awareness in ensuring safe travel experiences. It is a sobering reminder of the continuous work required to safeguard the well-being of our communities.

Your Thoughts

Your opinions and reactions to this incident are valuable. Please share your thoughts, sentiments, and any suggestions for improving public safety measures in the comments below. We look forward to engaging with you in this important discourse.

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