MahaKumbh Rush Sparks Delhi Railway Station Stampede, UP Stations on Alert

A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night resulted in at least 18 deaths, including 11 women and five children. More than a dozen other passengers were injured.

A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station happened because of a sudden rush of passengers heading to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. At least 18 people died, including 11 women and five children. The incident took place on the evening of February 15, 2025, and has raised concerns at railway stations, especially in Uttar Pradesh, as authorities work to manage crowds before the Kumbh Mela.

Maha Kumbh Pilgrims Caught in Deadly Crowd Surge

The deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station happened when a large group of passengers, mostly pilgrims going to the Maha Kumbh, rushed toward their platforms. Witnesses and officials say the chaos started when some people slipped while coming down from the foot-over bridge and fell, causing others to lose their balance in the crowded area.

The tragedy resulted in 18 deaths and more than a dozen injuries. Many of the injured had serious injuries to their limbs and bones. Most of the victims were women and children, showing how vulnerable certain passengers are in such large, uncontrolled crowds.

Authorities sent more police and used ropes to control the crowds after the stampede. Despite these efforts, the station stayed overcrowded. Confusion lasted for hours after the incident.

In the aftermath of the stampede, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi both expressed their sorrow, extending condolences to the victims' families. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the scene. An inquiry was started to investigate the incident.

Indian Railways Orders High-Level Inquiry

In response to the stampede Indian Railways has ordered a high-level inquiry. Senior officials, including Narsingh Deo and Pankaj Gangwar, are investigating the incident. The committee has started reviewing video footage to gather evidence and understand how things got out of control.

The main cause of the stampede, according to Himanshu Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, was passengers accidentally falling down the stairs from the foot-over bridge. The fall triggered a chain reaction, leading to the stampede on the platforms below.

MahaKumbh Crowd Management Under Scrutiny After Tragedy

Political leaders from various parties have condemned the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. They blame the lack of proper crowd management. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called it negligence by the Ministry of Railways. He demanded immediate reforms. AAP leader Raghav Chadha also criticized the government. He said they ignored warnings about crowd control protocols raised in Parliament earlier this month.

The stampede has sparked a wider discussion about how the Railways manage crowds during big events like the Maha Kumbh, where millions of devotees gather in one place.

Prayagraj Station Strengthens Security Measures

Following the New Delhi incident, railway stations in Uttar Pradesh, especially those in Prayagraj, are now on high alert. Security and crowd management have been improved to prevent another tragedy during the Maha Kumbh. Police are stationed at key points in stations. They are making sure pilgrims board trains safely and preventing overcrowding on platforms.

The Railways have increased efforts to manage large crowds, with more trains scheduled to take devotees to Prayagraj. The administration is also working with local police to monitor crowd movements and prevent overcrowding.

Helplines Available for Victim Assistance

The injured from the stampede were taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, where a team of 15 doctors treated them right away. Most victims had leg injuries and some had bone fractures. The hospital has set up helplines for those wanting information: +919873617028 and 011-23501207.

Delhi MLA Parvesh Verma visited the hospital to meet the victims and offer support. He expressed his condolences. He assured the injured that they were getting adequate medical care.

The stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, triggered by a surge of Maha Kumbh pilgrims, has resulted in the tragic loss of 18 lives and left many others injured. The incident has led to increased security and crowd management at railway stations. This is especially true in Uttar Pradesh. These measures aim to prevent further tragedies.

An inquiry has been started to find out what caused the disaster. Political leaders are calling for urgent reforms to improve crowd control at large events. As the situation develops, efforts to help the victims continue, with authorities and local leaders offering support.