A high-level two-member committee has been constituted to investigate the tragic stampede that occurred at the New Delhi Railway Station on the night of February 15. This devastating incident led to the loss of 18 lives, while several other passengers sustained injuries of varying degrees. The Indian Railways confirmed the formation of this committee on Sunday, stating that the members responsible for leading the inquiry are Narsingh Deo, who currently serves as the Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM) of Northern Railway, and Pankaj Gangwar, who holds the position of Principal Chief Safety Commissioner (PCSC). Their primary objective is to determine the causes of the stampede and suggest preventive measures for the future.
According to an official statement, the committee has launched a High-Level Inquiry (HAG) into the circumstances surrounding the incident. One of the first steps taken by the committee is to secure and analyze all available video footage from CCTV cameras at the railway station to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify any lapses that might have contributed to the tragedy. Investigators will closely examine the crowd movement patterns, the structural setup of the platforms, and any possible oversight in crowd control mechanisms.
The stampede unfolded at approximately 10 PM on Saturday, as an overwhelming number of devotees thronged the New Delhi Railway Station en route to Prayagraj for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025. Given the significance of the festival, a massive influx of passengers was anticipated, yet the rush exceeded expectations, resulting in severe overcrowding. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as people jostled to board trains, exacerbating an already congested situation on certain platforms.
Among the deceased, the authorities have identified several victims, including elderly individuals, women, and children. The unfortunate victims of this disaster include Aaha Devi, 79; Pinky Devi, 41; Sheela Devi, 50; Vyom, 25; Poonam Devi, 40; Lalita Devi, 35; Suruchi, 11; Krishna Devi, 40; Vijay Sah, 15; Neeraj, 12; Shanti Devi, 40; Pooja Kumar, 8; Sangeeta Malik, 34; Poonam, 34; Mamta Jha, 40; Riya Singh, 7; Baby Kumari, 24; and Manoj, 47.
In response to the tragic loss of lives and injuries sustained, the Indian Railways has announced a financial compensation package for the victims and their families. The families of those who lost their lives in the stampede will receive a compensation amount of Rs 10 lakh each. Additionally, those who suffered serious injuries will be provided with Rs 2.5 lakh, while individuals with minor injuries will receive Rs 1 lakh as compensation. This financial assistance aims to provide some relief to the affected families as they cope with their sudden loss and medical expenses.
Dilip Kumar, the Executive Director of Information & Publicity (ED/IP) of the Railway Board, addressed the media regarding the incident. He explained that the unfortunate sequence of events began when a passenger lost balance while navigating the stairs leading to platforms 14 and 15. The individual slipped, triggering a domino effect that caused panic among the tightly packed crowd, ultimately leading to the stampede. As people stumbled and fell, many were crushed in the chaos, resulting in numerous casualties.
Railway authorities and emergency response teams were quick to take control of the situation and provide immediate medical attention to the injured. Several victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities also worked efficiently to restore order at the railway station, ensuring that train operations were not disrupted for an extended period. Special trains were arranged to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers, helping them reach their destinations without further inconvenience.
The railway authorities have reassured the public that stringent measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. Investigations will focus on identifying gaps in crowd management strategies, railway infrastructure, and station design, which might have contributed to the severity of the incident. Based on the committee’s findings, the Indian Railways is expected to implement enhanced safety measures, including better crowd control mechanisms, improved surveillance, and strategic deployment of security personnel during high-footfall events.
As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided on any additional measures or recommendations that emerge from the inquiry. For now, the Indian Railways urges passengers to remain vigilant and cooperate with station authorities, especially during peak travel periods, to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
