Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Claims 18 Lives, Injures Several
A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people and left multiple others injured. The chaos erupted as a large crowd of passengers attempted to board trains heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh festival.
Government Response and Investigation
The Ministry of Railways has launched a high-level inquiry into the “unfortunate incident.” Officials confirmed that those injured were immediately transported to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain (LNJP) Hospital for medical attention.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railway) reported that a significant number of people had gathered on platform number 14 while the Prayagraj Express was stationed there. Delays in the Swantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani Express led to additional crowding on platforms 12, 13, and 14, exacerbating the situation.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the immense congestion caused many passengers to faint due to suffocation.
Railway Minister Expresses Condolences
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his sorrow over the incident. “Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones,” he stated, assuring that efforts are underway to assist those affected.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor’s Statement
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena visited the station and the hospital where the injured are being treated. He confirmed that the situation is now under control. “The injured are receiving medical care, and Delhi Police are actively managing the situation at the railway station. Train operations have resumed normalcy,” he reassured.
Formation of a High-Level Inquiry Committee
Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity (ED/IP) for the Railway Board, provided additional details, noting that four special trains were deployed to accommodate the unexpectedly high passenger turnout. “We received reports of people fainting due to overcrowding, and they were immediately hospitalized. Entry to the station was temporarily restricted, but the situation is now stable. A two-member high-level committee has been set up to investigate the cause of the stampede,” he explained.
Union Minister Amit Shah’s Assurance
Union Minister Amit Shah stated that he had spoken with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, and Delhi Police officials. He emphasized that all necessary assistance was being provided.
“I extend my condolences to the bereaved families. The injured are receiving the best possible treatment, and I wish them a speedy recovery,” he said.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena visited the hospital to meet the injured, while Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed his shock over the incident. “It is heartbreaking to hear about the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with the victims’ families, and I pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” he posted on social media.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi criticized both the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments for what she described as a lack of proper arrangements for devotees traveling to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh.
“This incident is deeply saddening. The central and Uttar Pradesh governments have failed to ensure adequate safety measures for the devotees. There are no proper facilities in Prayagraj, nor are there sufficient traffic arrangements for pilgrims arriving from different states. I urge the railway authorities to provide immediate relief and assistance to those affected,” she stated in a post on social media platform X.
Current Situation at the Station
Authorities have confirmed that train movements have resumed, and normalcy has been restored at the station. The investigation committee is expected to release its findings soon to prevent such incidents in the future.
