iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
At least 15 people died in a stampede at the New Delhi railway station after a massive crowd of passengers rushed to catch trains to Prayagraj on Saturday, January 15, night.
A senior official from the LNJP Hospital said that 15 persons died in the incident that took place at 8 p.m. on platforms 14 and 15 of the railway station where passengers were waiting to board trains to Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela. Four fire engines were rushed to the spot for rescue operations and additional security personnel have been deployed to control the situation at the New Delhi Railway Station.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. Modi posted on X, “Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede.”
Executive Director of Information & Publicity (ED/IP), Railway Board, Dilip Kumar, stated that the railway station witnessed an unusually high number of passengers on Saturday, prompting authorities to run four additional special trains. “We received information that a few people fainted – they have been admitted to a local hospital,” he said.
In response to the incident, authorities temporarily restricted entry to the railway station to control the crowd. “A two-member high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The situation is now under control, and passengers have been accommodated on special trains. Train operations at the station are normal,” Kumar added.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, the incident occurred when a large number of passengers gathered on platform no. 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. Additionally, delays in the departures of Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani led to further congestion at platforms 12, 13, and 14.
Reports indicate that around 1,500 general tickets were sold, leading to an overwhelming crowd. The situation worsened near platform no. 14 and the escalator at platform no. 1.
DCP Malhotra added, “Two trains were delayed, and due to the increased footfall, the crowd became massive. A few people sustained injuries. As of now, the situation is under control. The sudden rush occurred within a span of 15-20 minutes after a special train was announced, prompting passengers to scramble to board it.”
Special trains being operated by the Railways for the Mahakumbh have been witnessing a massive rush as the festival is scheduled to end on February 26. Earlier this week, some passengers at a railway station in Bihar broke the glass windows of a train after they failed to board the train. Similar episodes have also been reported from other railway stations in Bihar.
An inquiry has been ordered into the incident by the railway ministry. Amid all the chaos, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on social media a while ago that the situation was under control. “Situation under control at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS). Delhi Police and RPF (railway police force) reached. Injured and taken to hospital. Special trains being run to evacuate sudden rush,” the Minister had posted on X. “High-level inquiry ordered. The entire team is working to assist all those who have been affected by this tragic incident.”
Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena wrote: “There has been an unfortunate and tragic incident of loss of lives and injuries due to disorder and stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this tragedy. Have spoken to the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner and asked them to address and redress the situation.”
“CS has been asked to invoke DDMA (disaster management) measures and deploy relief personnel. All hospitals are in readiness. Have instructed CS and CP to be at the site and take control of relief measures. I am constantly monitoring operations,” he added.
The Northern Railway, in a post on X, wrote: “Heavy rush at New Delhi Station is under control. Delhi police and RPF reached. The injured have been taken to hospital. Special trains are being run to evacuate sudden rush.”
