railways-announces-10l-payout-for-kins-of-new-delhi-stampede-victims

Indian Railways has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, according to an official release.

 

The railway authority further stated that Rs 2.5 lakh would be provided to those who were seriously injured, while Rs 1 lakh would be given to individuals with minor injuries.

 

Geeta, a worker at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, where the victims were admitted, confirmed that 15 bodies and 10 to 12 injured people arrived at the hospital by 10 p.m. on Saturday.

 

"There were around 15 dead bodies and 10 to 12 injured people who were brought to the LNJP hospital between 10 to 10:30 p.m. yesterday. There were three children among the dead..." she said.

 

The stampede occurred around 10 p.m. on Saturday, as thousands of devotees were heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, leading to severe overcrowding at the station.

Also read: New Delhi station stampede deaths rise to 18, several injured

 

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railway) K.P.S. Malhotra, the incident took place when a large number of passengers gathered on platform number 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed.

 

Further congestion was caused by delays in the departures of the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, with their passengers crowding platforms 12, 13, and 14.

 

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her deep anguish over the loss of lives and conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families. She also wished a speedy recovery for those injured.

 

"Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," President Murmu posted on X.

 

Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in a stampede at New Delhi Railway station. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of those injured.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 16, 2025

 

The stampede has claimed 18 lives so far, with several others still receiving medical treatment.

 

Authorities continue to investigate the causes behind the overcrowding and are reviewing CCTV footage to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.

Also read: Maha Kumbh stampede: India never learnt its lessons on crowd control