Delayed Trains, Blocked Staircase : What Led To New Delhi Railway Station Stampede

A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night when a stampede claimed the lives of 18 individuals, including three children, with many more injured. The incident occurred amidst an overwhelming rush of passengers eager to travel to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

The chaos began on platform 14, where the Prayagraj Express was due to depart. This platform, already hosting a significant crowd, became a hotspot for disaster when two other trains heading to Prayagraj – the Swatantrata Senani Express and the Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani – were delayed. This delay led to an intense congestion as passengers from these trains also congregated at platforms 12, 13, and 14, according to KPS Malhotra, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railway).

Adding to the confusion, a porter at the station noted that a special train scheduled for platform 12 was unexpectedly moved to platform 16, causing a massive, disorganized movement of people. “When the crowd waiting at Platform 12 and outside tried to reach Platform 16, people collided and fell on the escalator and stairs,” the porter recounted. The situation was further worsened by the blocking of one staircase on platforms 14 and 15, intended to manage the crowd but leading to dangerous overcrowding instead.

ALSO READ | 18 Dead, Several Injured In New Delhi Railway Station After Stampede Due To Rush

The Ministry of Railways has initiated a high-level inquiry into what they’ve termed an “unfortunate incident”. The surge of passengers led to panic, with some fainting due to the cramped conditions. In response, the Railways announced compensation packages: Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 25 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for minor injuries.

A veteran porter expressed his shock, having worked at the station since 1981, stating, “I’ve never witnessed a crowd like this before.” This sentiment underscores the rarity and severity of the event, highlighting the human aspect of dealing with such an unprecedented rush.

The incident at New Delhi Railway Station not only leads to immediate mourning but also prompts a necessary review of crowd management, infrastructure, and emergency response protocols at major transit hubs, especially during events like the Maha Kumbh Mela, which draw millions of attendees.