Sun Feb 16 09:52:05 UTC 2025: **New Delhi Railway Station Stampede Kills 18, Prompts Increased Security**
NEW DELHI—At least 18 people, mostly women and children, died in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Saturday night, prompting a heightened security response. The incident occurred around 10 pm on platforms 12, 15, and 16, as crowds surged to board trains heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh festival.
Following the tragedy, additional police personnel have been deployed to platforms, and ropes are being used to manage the flow of passengers. The Railways Ministry has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident, headed by Narsingh Deo and Pankaj Gangwar, and has announced compensation of ₹10 lakh (approximately $120,000 USD) for the families of those killed, with lesser amounts for those seriously or mildly injured.
While eyewitness accounts suggest the stampede was triggered by a rumour about a platform change for the Prayagraj Express, railway authorities deny this, attributing the incident to people falling on the stairs of a foot-over bridge. They assert that no trains were cancelled or changed platforms. Despite the official explanation, the incident highlights the immense pressure on the station due to the large number of devotees traveling to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh festival, which has seen over 50 crore devotees attend so far. The railway ministry has also announced additional trains to alleviate the crowds. The investigation continues, and all video footage from the station is being secured.
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