Confusion arising from the similar names of two Prayagraj-bound trains and multiple delays led to the stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night, which claimed the lives of 18 people, the Delhi Police said on Sunday.
According to police officials, the announcement that the Prayagraj Special would arrive at Platform 16 created panic among passengers waiting for the Prayagraj Express at Platform 14.
The confusion resulted in a rush as passengers, particularly those holding general tickets, attempted to move between platforms 12, 13, and 14, causing severe overcrowding.
"The passengers who could not board the train at Platform 14 assumed their train was arriving at Platform 16, which led to further chaos," a Delhi Police official stated.
The stampede occurred around 10 pm when thousands of devotees were heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, exacerbating the overcrowding.
Also read: 'Faaltu hai Kumbh': Lalu Yadav on pilgrim rush, New Delhi stampede
The police also highlighted that four trains were scheduled to depart for Prayagraj on Saturday night, three of which were delayed. This, they said, contributed to an unexpected surge of passengers at the station.
At the time of the incident, the Prayagraj Express was stationed at Platform 14, the Magadh Express at Platform 12, the Swatantrata Senani Express at Platform 13, and the Bhubaneswar Rajdhani at Platform 15. The latter three trains were all running behind schedule due to increased traffic related to the Kumbh Mela.
The Delhi Police have initiated an inquest led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officer. Additionally, a two-member committee has begun a high-level inquiry into the incident.
In response to the tragedy, the Indian Railways has announced compensation for the victims and their families. The families of those who lost their lives will receive Rs 10 lakh each.
Also read: Railways forms two-member panel to probe New Delhi stampede
Those who sustained serious injuries will be given Rs 2.5 lakh, while Rs 1 lakh will be provided to passengers with minor injuries.
A high-level meeting was convened by the Delhi Police earlier today to review the initial inquiry report and assess further action regarding the stampede.
The incident has raised serious questions about passenger management during large-scale religious gatherings and the handling of crowd surges at major railway stations.
Police have maintained that confusion over the names of two Prayagraj-bound trains and delayed departures led to a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, killing 18 people.
Delhi Police have launched a high-level inquiry, while Indian Railways has announced compensation for victims and their families.
Also read: New Delhi station stampede deaths rise to 18, several injured
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