16 February 2025
In a heart-wrenching incident at New Delhi Railway Station, a stampede took the lives of 18 individuals, including 14 women and 5 children. The tragic event unfolded on the night of February 15-16, 2025, as throngs of pilgrims desperately tried to secure their trips to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj.
The chaos erupted on platforms 14 and 15, where the crush became unbearable due to hordes of passengers jostling for position. Critically, a much-anticipated Prayagraj Express further intensified the pressure on an already overwhelmed train schedule. Railway authorities, addressing the mishap, refuted circulating rumors about a sudden platform change. However, they did confirm that a passenger's unfortunate slip on the stairs played a role in triggering the deadly stampede.
Official Response and Compensation
In the aftermath, railway officials sprang into action, initiating a comprehensive investigation to uncover the cause of this devastating event. The inquiry, spearheaded by prominent figures such as Narsingh Deo, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, and Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, seeks to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies. As a gesture towards the grieving families, the Railways announced compensation packages, offering ₹10 lakh for each deceased victim's family, ₹2.5 lakh for severe injuries, and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
Authorities have also released details regarding the victims, including individuals like Asha Devi (79), Pinky Devi (41), and Manoj (47). The bodies are currently being claimed by family members at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, where scenes of immense sorrow reflect the stampede’s traumatic impact.
Public Reactions and Political Controversies
The event has triggered waves of grief across the nation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both expressed their deepest condolences, emphasizing the urgency of medical aid for the injured and robust support for mourning families. Additionally, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena found himself in the spotlight after initially acknowledging the casualties in a public statement, only to later edit the post to remove reference to the deaths, a move that raised eyebrows among the public and drew criticism.
While the inquiry progresses, the tragedy has also sparked broader discussions about safety protocols at key transport hubs during peak travel periods, especially for massive events like the Maha Kumbh. The occurrence lays bare the precarious balance railway authorities must maintain between accommodating vast numbers of travelers and ensuring safety, an imperative that has now been tragically highlighted.
