By The Sampadak Express
At least 15 people, including three children, lost their lives and 10 others were injured in a stampede-like situation at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night. The incident occurred around 9:55 pm, as a huge rush of passengers caused chaos at the station due to the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival.
The massive crowd gathered on platforms 14 and 15 as people rushed to board a special train heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in India. Reports indicate that the overcrowding was triggered by an announcement of the special train, which led to an influx of passengers within a span of just 15–20 minutes, overwhelming the station’s infrastructure.
The Chief Casualty Medical Officer at LNJP hospital confirmed the tragic toll, stating that 15 people had died in the incident, including three children. “15 people, including 3 children, lost their lives in the incident that occurred at New Delhi railway station,” the official said.
Emergency Response and Investigations
In response to the incident, authorities swiftly mobilized emergency teams. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with four fire tenders dispatched to the site to assist in the relief efforts. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, and the situation was eventually brought under control.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered a high-level investigation into the tragedy. The Ministry of Railways assured the public that the situation at New Delhi station was now under control. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and the injured are receiving the necessary medical attention,” the ministry said.
Overcrowding Due to Maha Kumbh Pilgrims
The stampede is believed to have been exacerbated by the massive influx of pilgrims traveling for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. This annual religious event attracts millions of devotees who come to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers, a practice believed to wash away sins.
According to reports from the Uttar Pradesh government, over 92.1 lakh devotees had already taken a dip in the Sangam by 2 PM on Saturday. The massive surge of pilgrims has placed significant strain on transportation services, including train services, as people flock to Prayagraj in large numbers.
Indian Railways has been running additional trains to accommodate the crowds, with more than 501 million people having taken a dip at the Sangam as of February 14. Over 2.79 lakh passengers boarded trains from Prayagraj railway station by 6 am on Saturday, and 328 trains were reported to have transported over 10.47 lakh passengers on Friday alone.
The Aftermath
The incident has sparked a renewed focus on the safety measures at railway stations, particularly during peak travel times like the Maha Kumbh, when the pressure on infrastructure and logistics can become overwhelming. Authorities are reviewing the situation and working towards ensuring better crowd management in the future.
While the tragedy has deeply saddened the nation, it has also highlighted the urgent need for improved crowd control mechanisms at busy stations, especially during large-scale events that draw millions of people from across the country.
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