The stampede at the New Delhi railway station on Saturday, February 15, 2025, which left 18 passengers dead and numerous others injured, is thought to have been caused mostly by the growing number of pilgrims and the railways’ continued issuance of tickets to Prayagraj.
Railway sources said that ticket sales at the counters continued even while a sizable crowd waited on Platform 14 to board a train to Prayagraj. There was no access restriction, and approximately 1,500 ordinary (unreserved) tickets were distributed by railway authorities to Prayagraj per hour. All points of access were open to passengers entering the station grounds. About 2,600 persons purchased tickets to Prayagraj between 6 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, according to preliminary inquiries.
A mistake in announcements caused a large number of pilgrims waiting to board a train to Pyaragraj on Platform No. 14 to begin moving, which led to the stampede just before 9.15 p.m. Railway officials, however, claimed that no such notice was issued that would have led to the misunderstanding.
The pilgrims hurried across the foot-over-bridge to another sixteen. The stampede was caused by the rush since there were scores of people waiting there (the bridges), including women and children. According to the sources, the New Delhi to Dharbanga Swatantrata Senani Express train was delayed and rescheduled to begin at midnight, leaving hundreds of people stuck on Platform 13.
In a statement, the Railways said: “In order to avoid any untoward incident in future, Indian Railways appeals through media outlets to the public at large, not to fall prey to rumours as it was witnessed in the unfortunate incident at New Delhi railway station yesterday. All the travellers are requested not to change platforms on hearsay and strictly follow the official announcement. Indian Railway seeks cooperation of passengers by adhering to operational planning of Indian Railways. This will go a long way & help zonal railway authorities to smoothly execute planned regular & special train services for the commuters.”
