At least 18 people died in a stampede at the New Delhi Railway station on February 15, 2025. The incident occurred as thousands of passengers, many of whom were Hindu pilgrims heading to the Maha Kumbh festival, gathered to board trains. Confusion over train platform announcements contributed to the chaos that ensued.
- Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station
- 18 fatalities, including 14 women
- Victims were Hindu pilgrims for Maha Kumbh
- Confusion over train platform announcement
- Prime Minister Modi expresses condolences
- Investigation ordered by Railway Minister
The stampede occurred late Saturday evening while passengers were waiting to board trains at the busy railway station. Witnesses reported that some individuals slipped while descending from a footbridge, causing a chain reaction that led to the crowd surge. Sheela Devi, who lost her daughter-in-law in the incident, stated that an announcement regarding a platform change created significant confusion among the waiting passengers.
Among the deceased, 14 were women, highlighting the vulnerability of certain groups in such crowded situations. The Press Trust of India reported that many of the victims were en route to the Maha Kumbh festival, a major religious event that attracts millions of Hindu pilgrims. This tragedy follows another recent stampede at the festival, which claimed at least 30 lives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident through a post on social media, offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that an investigation would be conducted to determine the circumstances that led to the stampede, emphasizing the need for improved crowd management at such events.
This tragic event underscores the importance of effective crowd control measures at busy transportation hubs, particularly during major religious festivals. Authorities are expected to review safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
