Tragic Events Unfold at New Delhi Railway Station
The morning of February 15, 2025, turned tragic at New Delhi Railway Station when a stampede claimed at least 18 lives, with women and children making up the majority of the victims. The incident unfolded on platforms 13 and 14 during a frantic rush to board trains heading to the renowned Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The religious gathering, which draws millions, necessitates increased transport, but chaos ensued when two delayed trains were announced simultaneously, prompting an uncontrolled surge of passengers.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene—a seemingly endless push forward as people scrambled for space, resulting in falls and severe trampling. The chaotic environment sadly proved deadly for many unable to withstand being pressed by the crowd.
Government Reactions and Political Backlash
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow for the immense loss of life and offered condolences to the families affected. Meanwhile, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw quickly addressed the public outcry by initiating a thorough inquiry. This move is meant to shed light on the apparent breakdowns in crowd management and station safety protocols.
Criticism rained in from the opposition too, with leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Chaturvedi bluntly critiquing the government for its perceived negligence and inadequacies in infrastructure. This event marks the second notable stampede related to the Maha Kumbh gatherings. Earlier, an independent report identified at least 79 casualties in a similar situation in Prayagraj, drawing even more scrutiny this time.
With public distrust heightened, authorities have vowed to implement improved crowd control methods. Measures include boosting security personnel, better managing the announcement systems to prevent mass confusion, and regulating the flow of passengers to thwart such disasters in the future. The intention is to ensure safety while facilitating the movements of the massive crowds that the Maha Kumbh Mela invariably attracts every time it convenes.
