Heart-Wrenching New Delhi Station Tragedy: Railways Stand Firm Against Platform Change & Special Train Cancellation Claims
A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on the night of February 15 claimed 18 lives and left 15 others injured. The chaos ensued around 9:15 p.m. on the staircase linking platforms 14 and 15. A large crowd had gathered to board trains to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival. The Indian Railways confirmed no platform change by Northern Railway and no cancellation of any special trains.
Initially, the Prayagraj Express was scheduled at Platform No. 14. However, due to the overwhelming crowd, a special train was announced at Platform No. 12 to accommodate the extra passengers. The confusion and sudden rush of passengers from Platform No. 14 toward Platform No. 12 are believed to have triggered the stampede.
According to the Railways, 18 people lost their lives, with three sustaining serious injuries and 12 suffering minor injuries. The injured were immediately taken for medical treatment to Lok Nayak Jayprakash Narayan Hospital and Lady Hardinge’s College.
The Railways announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries. Compensation has been distributed to the victims’ families.
In response to the increased rush, the Railways had arranged five special trains for Prayagraj from the Delhi area and planned four additional special trains following the incident. Two of these trains have already departed.
A high-level inquiry has been launched to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy, led by senior officials including Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, and Nar Singh, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway. The investigation commenced on February 16, 2025. This inquiry aims to uncover the reasons behind the unfortunate incident and prevent such occurrences in the future.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/new-delhi-station-tragedy-railways-denies-platform-change-or-special-train-cancellation
Category : India
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Publish Date: 2025-02-16 22:56:00
