A devastating stampede atNew DelhiRailway Station late on Saturday, February 15, 2025, resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people and left 15 others injured. The chaos unfolded as a massive crowd gathered on platforms 12 and 14, waiting to board trains to Prayagraj, where theMaha Kumbhis currently taking place.

Confusion Between Trains Leads to Tragedy

Initial investigations by the Delhi Police revealed that passengers panicked after confusing Prayagraj Express with Prayagraj Special. Fearing they might miss their train, travelers surged forward, triggering the fatal stampede.

Victims Include Women and Children

The disaster claimed the lives of three young girls, aged seven, eight, and fifteen, along with a 24-year-old woman. Among the male victims, a 12-year-old boy, a 25-year-old man, and two men aged 45 and 47 succumbed to their injuries.

Among the 15 injured, nine were men and six were women. Three individuals suffered severe injuries, while 12 sustained minor wounds. Authorities have confirmed that four trains were scheduled to depart for Prayagraj, but three delays exacerbated the overcrowding.

Railway Ministry Implements Preventive Measures

In response to the disaster, the Railway Ministry has introduced several measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. To manage passenger flow efficiently, officials have designated platform number 16 as the departure point for all special trains heading to Prayagraj. All passengers traveling to Prayagraj must now enter and exit from the Ajmeri Gate side of the New Delhi railway station, the Ministry stated in an official press release. Regular trains will continue operating from their usual platforms, ensuring that congestion does not build up at a single point.

Increased Security and Passenger Assistance

To enhance safety, the Railway Ministry has deployed additional personnel from the Railway Police Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP). These officers will assist travelers by directing them to their designated platforms and preventing overcrowding.

The Ministry has also urged passengers to avoid rumors and misinformation. It has advised travelers to use the Helpline number 139 for reliable information and assistance.

Pawan Bansal Blames Railway Minister for the Tragedy

Senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal criticized the Railway Minister, holding him accountable for the deadly stampede.

The Railway Minister bears ultimate responsibility for this disaster and cannot evade it, Bansal asserted.

He condemned the governments failure to anticipate the passenger surge and make necessary preparations. The MahaKumbh festival attracts millions, yet the authorities neglected to put adequate measures in place at railway stations, he added.

Recalling his tenure as Railway Minister during the UPA II regime, Bansal emphasized the importance of prior planning for large-scale events like the Maha Kumbh and Chhath Pooja. Proper planning is crucial during such festivals, and arrangements should have been made well in advance, he stated.

Government’s Next Steps

With public scrutiny mounting, the Railway Ministry has assured citizens that it will take all necessary actions to improve crowd management and passenger safety. Running additional special trains, deploying more security personnel, and streamlining station operations remain key priorities in preventing future tragedies of this scale.