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Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station

Overcrowding during Maha Kumbh rush exposes critical lapses in crowd management, prompting investigations and government responses.

People, including Hindu pilgrims on their way to attend the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Great Pitcher Festival, gather at the New Delhi Railway Station to board a train in New Delhi, India, February 15, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
Passengers jostle to board a train at the railway station in New Delhi, India, on Feb.15, 2025.
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Passengers jostle to board a train at the railway station in New Delhi, India, on Feb.15, 2025.

Overview

  • A deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 people dead and several injured as thousands rushed to board trains to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh festival.
  • Eyewitnesses and officials highlighted overcrowding, delayed trains, and unclear announcements as contributing factors to the chaos on platforms 14 and 15.
  • The Indian Railways has initiated a high-level inquiry, with a two-member committee examining CCTV footage and gathering evidence to determine the exact causes of the incident.
  • Compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and additional aid for the injured has been announced, with immediate payments made to affected families.
  • Authorities have implemented measures such as rerouting special trains and increasing security personnel to prevent future incidents, while political leaders and experts criticize the mismanagement.