Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Leaves 18 Dead, Investigation Highlights Lapses

Conflicting announcements, overcrowding, and delayed emergency response are cited as key factors in the tragedy during Maha Kumbh-related travel.

The stampede occurred on February 15 at New Delhi Railway Station, killing 18 people, including five children, and injuring several others.
An RPF report revealed overcrowding due to four Prayagraj-bound trains scheduled within a two-hour window, with over 10,000 additional unreserved tickets sold that day.
Conflicting announcements about a special train's departure platform contributed to chaos, as passengers rushed between platforms 12 and 16 using overcrowded footbridges.
Emergency response was delayed, with the first fire brigade call made 40 minutes after the stampede began at 9:15 PM, according to one survivor's account.
Indian Railways has implemented temporary crowd control measures, including suspending platform ticket sales during peak hours and dedicating specific platforms for special trains.