February 15, 2025, New Delhi Railway Station became the scene of a devastating stampede that resulted in the loss of 18 lives and left numerous others injured. The incident unfolded as thousands of pilgrims converged on the station, eager to board trains bound for Prayagraj to participate in the Maha Kumbh, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the tragedy. Prabhash Kumar Raman, a passenger aboard the Magadh Express, described the overwhelming crowd on the platform, which quickly descended into chaos. He lamented the absence of administrative support, noting, “There was not even a single policeman when the incident took place. People were pushing and scrambling for space amid cries for help.”
The stampede occurred around 9:55 PM local time on platforms 14 and 15. Hashibur Rehman, another witness, highlighted the mismanagement that exacerbated the situation. He pointed out that certain staircases leading to the platforms had been initially closed to control the crowd. However, as delays mounted and more passengers arrived, these staircases were suddenly opened, leading to a surge and subsequent congestion. Rehman recounted, “People were pushing one another to get on the train or to take the staircase. I saw at least 10-12 bodies lying on the platform… it was horrific.”
The victims of this tragic event included 14 women and three children, the youngest being a seven-year-old girl and the oldest a 79-year-old woman. Many of the injured were transported to nearby medical facilities, including the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital, for urgent care.
In the immediate aftermath, Delhi Fire Services dispatched rescue teams and four fire tenders to manage the crisis. Despite these efforts, the lack of prior crowd control measures and the sudden influx of passengers contributed significantly to the disaster.
The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees who believe that bathing in the sacred rivers at Prayagraj absolves them of sins. This year’s event was anticipated to draw an unprecedented number of participants, leading to increased travel to the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones.” He also extended wishes for a swift recovery to the injured.
In response to the tragedy, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the causes of the stampede. The committee is tasked with analyzing CCTV footage and gathering eyewitness testimonies to determine the sequence of events that led to the disaster. Additionally, the Railway Ministry has declared an ex gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for those with serious injuries, and ₹1 lakh for individuals with minor injuries.
This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges associated with managing massive crowds during significant religious events in India. Just weeks prior, a similar tragedy occurred at the Maha Kumbh festival site in Prayagraj, where a stampede resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries.
As investigations continue, there is a pressing need for authorities to implement robust crowd management and safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future. The convergence of vast numbers of pilgrims, coupled with infrastructural limitations, underscores the importance of meticulous planning and real-time monitoring during large-scale events.
In the wake of the disaster, families of the victims are left grappling with their loss, while survivors recount the traumatic experiences of that fateful night. The nation mourns the lives lost and reflects on the imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens during public gatherings.