Sunday, February 16, 2025
Saturday night saw a chaotic scene unfold at New Delhi Railway Station when a large number of passengers caused a near stampede, resulting in at least 15 injuries. The overcrowding, particularly near platforms 14 and 15, led to significant disorder.
The incident occurred around 9:55 pm when the Prayagraj Express was stationed at platform 14. Meanwhile, delays in the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani caused passengers to crowd platforms 12 and 13. With over 1,500 general tickets sold, the situation quickly became unmanageable, causing a rush near the escalator at platform 1.
Medical teams were quick to arrive, with three women taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, and others were treated on-site. The Ministry of Railways confirmed that those injured received prompt care, and the station was soon operating normally again.
While early reports suggested a stampede, Northern Railways clarified that the disruption was due to overcrowding, not a stampede.
The large volume of passengers is believed to be linked to the upcoming Maha Kumbh, with New Delhi Railway Station being a key transit point for pilgrims traveling to Prayagraj. This has resulted in a sharp increase in ticket sales, contributing to the overcrowding.
In response to the incident, authorities are now reviewing their crowd management protocols to prevent future incidents. Passengers have been urged to follow safety guidelines and remain calm during high-traffic periods.
Although order has been restored, the event has raised concerns about crowd control and passenger safety at one of India’s busiest stations. Railway officials are expected to reassess safety measures and implement improvements for future peak travel periods. Passengers are advised to stay alert and avoid areas prone to overcrowding to ensure a safe journey.
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