Sun Feb 16 16:58:05 UTC 2025: ## New Delhi Railway Station Stampede Kills 18; Confusion Over Train Names Blamed

**New Delhi, India** – A stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people. Delhi Police attributed the tragedy to confusion surrounding two similarly named trains, the Prayagraj Express and the Prayagraj Special.

The announcement of the Prayagraj Special arriving at platform 16 caused panic among passengers waiting for the Prayagraj Express on platform 14. Many passengers, unable to board their train, mistakenly rushed to platform 16, leading to a surge in crowds and the ensuing stampede. The situation was exacerbated by delays to three of the four Prayagraj-bound trains, causing an unusually large number of passengers at the station. Many general ticket holders fled towards platforms 12, 13, and 14, adding to the chaos.

According to North Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Himanshu Upadhyay, some individuals attempting to descend from a foot overbridge via stairs slipped and fell onto others, further contributing to the tragedy. A railway committee, comprising the North Railway’s Principal Chief Commercial Manager and Principal Chief Safety Commissioner, has been formed to investigate the incident and is reviewing CCTV footage.

The stampede has also resulted in the cancellation of the Vikramshila Express and heightened alert levels at railway stations across Bihar, from where many of the victims originated. Nine of the deceased have been identified as being from Bihar, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced compensation of ₹200,000 (approximately $2,400 USD) for each victim’s family.

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