New Delhi: The stampede tragedy at the New Delhi Railway Station, which claimed 18 lives, has left a pall of gloom and plunged the nation into mourning. The Saturday night incident comes only weeks after the stampede at the Maha Kumbh. The scene following the Delhi stampede was heartbreaking, with shoes, slippers, torn bags and clothes scattered around at the site. The families of the victims are unable to come to terms with the sudden loss.
Among the victims, 14 are women and three are children. The two stampedes, both caused by an “unexpected” spike in crowds — first at the Maha Kumbh Triveni Sangam and then at the New Delhi station — has raised questions about the administration’s preparedness to manage large public gatherings.
The scene after the #stampede at #NewDelhi #RailwayStation. The #shoes and #slippers left behind by the people are a testimony to the kind of trouble that had befallen the people.#Delhi #Prayagraj #prayagrajtraffic “दिल्ली रेलवे स्टेशन” #NewDelhiRailwayStation
Link :-… pic.twitter.com/TSiy7o8tx1— 6 Block South Patel Nagar (NGO REGD)🇮🇳 (@NgoPatelNagar) February 15, 2025
Victims’ kin slam station authorities
After the stampede and rescue efforts at the station, visuals showed belongings — like shoes, clothes, water bottles, and bags — littered across the site. Railway staff have been assigned to collect and dispose of these items. They have been cleaning the area.
The relatives of victims have hit out at the station authorities for their handling of the situation. Most of them were going to Maha Kumbh when the stampede occurred. They have also alleged that the train line was changed which triggered the stampede. However, the Railway authorities have trashed the allegation, saying that it was just a rumour. Officials have said the stampede was sparked due to a rush of passengers on platforms 14 and 15, who were eager to board trains to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh.
Two-member panel to probe incident
A two-member high-level committee has been set up by the Railways to investigate the incident. Narsingh Deo, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, and Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner of Northern Railway have been included in the panel, officials pointed out. All video footage of the New Delhi Railway Station are being secured by the committee.
The Railways has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for individuals with minor injuries.
