New Delhi: At least 18 people, including 11 women and five children, lost their lives in a tragic incident at New Delhi railway station on Saturday night after a sudden surge of passengers led to severe overcrowding. The rush was triggered by delays in two trains bound for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, officials said.
The deaths were confirmed by the chief casualty medical officer of LNJP Hospital in Delhi, where 15 victims were admitted. Three more deaths were reported at Lady Hardinge Hospital. Railways has ordered an inquiry into the incident and announced financial compensation: ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for those severely injured, and ₹1 lakh for minor injuries.
Among the victims, nine were from Bihar, eight from Delhi, and one from Haryana. The Railways has arranged for officials to accompany the families of the deceased to their hometowns.
Government Response
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed their condolences over the incident. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged the loss of lives, with both referring to the incident as a “stampede.”
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, however, stated that the situation is now under control. “Delhi Police and RPF (Railway Police Force) are at the site, and the injured have been taken to hospitals. Special trains are being run to evacuate the sudden rush,” Vaishnaw posted on X. Officials also deployed additional security forces and four fire engines to manage the crowd.
Despite reports of casualties, railway authorities initially denied a stampede, urging people not to believe rumors.
Rising Concerns Over Maha Kumbh Crowds
The overcrowding occurred around 8 PM on platforms 14 and 15 as thousands of passengers awaited trains to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh. The religious festival, held once every 12 years, is set to conclude on February 26 and has been drawing massive crowds.
Earlier this week, similar chaos was reported at Bihar’s Madhubani railway station, where frustrated passengers broke the glass windows of the Swatantrata Senani Express while trying to board. Other stations in Bihar have also seen disorder related to trains heading to Prayagraj, prompting police to file cases.
Political Reactions
Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi criticized the central government for failing to manage the rush at the railway station. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged the Centre to consider extending the Maha Kumbh duration to ease the overwhelming crowds of devotees seeking to take a dip at the Sangam.
With tensions high and increasing pressure on railway authorities, officials continue to monitor the situation and implement measures to prevent further incidents.