Tragedy Strikes New Delhi Station: Railways Refutes Claims of Platform Changes or Cancelled Special Trains
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Synopsis
On February 15, a tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station resulted in 18 fatalities and 15 injuries. The incident occurred as crowds surged towards trains heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh. The Railways denied any changes to platform assignments or the cancellation of special trains.
Key Takeaways
- 18 fatalities and 15 injuries reported.
- The incident occurred at 9:15 p.m. on February 15.
- Crowd surge towards special trains caused a stampede.
- Compensation announced for victims' families.
- A high-level inquiry initiated to investigate the incident.
New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) A catastrophic stampede transpired at New Delhi Railway Station on the evening of February 15, resulting in the deaths of 18 individuals and injuries to 15 others. This incident unfolded around 9:15 p.m. on the staircase linking Platforms 14 and 15, where a considerable crowd had assembled to board trains en route to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh.
The Railways categorically denied any claims of a platform change by Northern Railway or the cancellation of any special trains.
According to the Railways, the Prayagraj Express was set to arrive at Platform No. 14. However, due to the overwhelming crowd heading to Prayagraj, a special train was designated to depart from Platform No. 12 to accommodate the additional rush. The stampede-like scenario reportedly ensued when passengers from Platform No. 14 abruptly shifted towards Platform No. 12 to catch the special train.
The Railways firmly stated that “there was neither a platform change implemented by Northern Railway nor was any special train cancelled.”
“Reports indicate that the stampede-like situation was likely instigated by a sudden influx of passengers from Platform No. 14 attempting to board a special train at Platform No. 12. The tragic event resulted in the loss of at least 18 lives, with three individuals suffering serious injuries and twelve others sustaining minor injuries,” the Railways reported.
Immediate medical assistance was rendered to the injured at Lok Nayak Jayprakash Narayan Hospital and Lady Hardinge's College.
Furthermore, the Railways declared a compensation package of Rs 10 lakh for the bereaved families, Rs 2.5 lakh for those with severe injuries, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries. Compensation has been disbursed to the victims' families.
In response to the heightened passenger surge, the Railways had earlier operated five special trains to Prayagraj from the Delhi area.
“Recently, five special trains were dispatched for Prayagraj from the Delhi area to mitigate the increased rush. Special trains are being organized in accordance with demand for Prayagraj. Today, four additional special trains are scheduled for Prayagraj, with two already departed and two more on the way,” the Railways stated.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched to scrutinize this heartbreaking incident.
The inquiry will be overseen by senior officials, including Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, and Nar Singh, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway. The investigation commenced on February 16, 2025.
