On the evening of February 15, 2025, a tragic stampede occurred at New Delhi Railway Station, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, including 14 women and 5 children. The incident took place around 8:00 PM local time on platforms 14 and 15, which were overcrowded with passengers heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh festival.

Key Factors Leading to the Stampede:

• Overcrowding: The station was overwhelmed due to the influx of pilgrims traveling to the Maha Kumbh, a major Hindu festival that attracts millions of devotees.

• Platform Confusion: Announcements regarding changes in train platforms led to confusion among passengers. Specifically, the similarity in train names—such as "Prayagraj Special" and "Prayagraj Express"—caused many to rush between platforms 14 and 16, fearing they might miss their trains.

• Structural Bottlenecks: Witnesses reported that blocked staircases on platforms 14 and 15 exacerbated the situation. When these staircases were suddenly opened to manage the crowd, it led to congestion and chaos.

Immediate Aftermath:

• Casualties: The victims ranged from a 7-year-old child to a 79-year-old adult.

• Injuries: Over a dozen individuals sustained injuries and were transported to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital for treatment.

Official Responses:

• Investigation: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a high-level inquiry to determine the exact cause of the stampede.

• Compensation: The Railway Ministry declared an ex gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for those with serious injuries, and ₹1 lakh for individuals with minor injuries.

• Enhanced Security Measures: Additional personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) were deployed to manage the crowd and prevent further incidents.

Eyewitness Accounts:

Passengers recounted scenes of panic and disorder. One individual described people "pushing and scrambling for space amid cries for help," highlighting the lack of immediate assistance from authorities during the critical moments of the stampede.

This tragic event underscores the challenges of managing massive crowds during significant religious gatherings and raises concerns about infrastructure and safety protocols at major transit hubs.