15 killed in stampede at New Delhi Railway Station amid spiralling Maha Kumbh rush
New Delhi: At least 15 people, including 10 women and three children, died at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night after two trains headed for the Maha Kumbh were delayed leading to overcrowding, media reports said.
The deaths were confirmed by the chief casualty medical officer of LNJP Hospital in Delhi, reported NDTV.
Officials stated that the deceased included 10 women, three children, and two men.
After the incident, the Railways has ordered an inquiry.
How the chaos unfolded
The overcrowding began around 8 PM on platforms 14 and 15, where passengers were waiting for trains to Prayagraj.
The situation worsened as delays in the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani resulted in passengers gathering in large numbers on platforms 12, 13, and 14.
Meanwhile, the Prayagraj Express was already stationed at platform 14, which added to the congestion.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railway) KPS Malhotra told ANI, "When Prayagraj Express was standing at platform no. 14, lots of public were present at the platform. Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani were delayed, and passengers of these trains were also present at platform no. 12,13 and 14. As per the information, 1500 general tickets were sold—that’s why the crowd became uncontrollable. There was a stampede-like situation at platform no. 14 and near the escalator near platform no. 1."
#WATCH | Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station | "...There was no one to control the crowd...It was announced that the train coming on platform number 12 will come on platform number 16. So the crowd came from both sides and a stampede occurred...some people were taken to the… pic.twitter.com/JRYFQ3prHT
— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2025
Aftermath and response
Post the incident, distressing visuals from the station appeared. Clothes, slippers, shoes, and other belongings lay scattered across the platforms and staircases, bearing testimony to the intensity of the commotion.
The railway administration deployed additional security personnel to manage the situation.
VIDEO | Delhi Railway Station Stampede: "My mother died in the stampede. The doctor confirmed her death. We were going to our home in Chhapra, Bihar. We have no idea why this happened, so many people came all of a sudden and started pushing each other... There were no police,"… pic.twitter.com/RqQKKycAUi
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 15, 2025
Four fire engines were also dispatched to the site.
In an official statement, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured that the situation is now under control.
Situation under control at New Delhi railway station (NDLS)
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 15, 2025
Delhi Police and RPF reached. Injured taken to hospital. Special trains being run to evacuate sudden rush.
Leaders mourn loss of lives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths in the stampede.
Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 15, 2025
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, extended condolences to the victims, and directed authorities to take control of the situation.
There has been an unfortunate incident at New Delhi Railway Station.
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) February 15, 2025
Have spoken to Chief Secretary & Police Commissioner and asked them to address the situation.
CS has been asked to deploy relief personnel.
Have instructed CS & CP to be at the site and take control of…
"CS has been asked to invoke DDMA measures & deploy relief personnel. All hospitals are in readiness to address related exegencies. Have instructed CS & CP to be at the site and take control of relief measures," the Lt Governor added, saying that he is constantly monitoring the situation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also said he was 'pained' at the loss of life in the incident.
"Devastating news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am extremely pained by the loss of lives due to stampede on Railway platform. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy of the injured," Singh posted on X.
Devastating news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am extremely pained by the loss of lives due to stampede on Railway platform. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy of the injured.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 15, 2025
With the Maha Kumbh set to conclude on February 26, special trains have been witnessing swelling crowds. Earlier this week, frustrated passengers at Bihar's Madhubani railway station shattered the glass windows of the Swatantrata Senani Express—bound for Delhi via Prayagraj—after failing to board.
Similar incidents involving trains to Prayagraj have been reported at other Bihar railway stations, prompting police action.
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