Condolences poured in after at least 18 people were killed dead in a stampede that broke out at New Delhi Railway Station late on Saturday night. The stampede occurred following a surge in the crowd of passengers waiting to board trains for Prayagraj, which is hosting the Maha Kumbh festival.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, “Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede.”
The Ministry of Railways announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of those deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those who suffered minor injuries. The injured are undergoing treatment at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital in New Delhi.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed condolences in a post on X, saying, “Deeply saddened by the unfortunate stampede that occurred at New Delhi Railway Station. My prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones. The entire team is working to assist all those who have been affected by this tragic incident.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Lieutenant Governor and Delhi Police Commissioner have been ordered to provide all possible help to those affected. In a post on X, Shah wrote, “Talked to Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnav ji and other concerned officials regarding the accident at New Delhi Railway Station. Spoke to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and Delhi Police Commissioner and gave instructions to provide all possible help to everyone. I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. The injured are being given every possible treatment. I wish them a speedy recovery.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, “Devastating news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am extremely pained by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the platform.”
Outgoing Chief Minister Atishi, who met the victims at LNJP hospital, termed the incident as extremely sad and heartbreaking. Atishi posted on X, “The tragic death of devotees going to Maha Kumbh in the accident at New Delhi Railway Station is extremely sad and heartbreaking. Reached LNJP Hospital and met the bereaved families. Many people are also injured, whose treatment is going on. Two of our MLAs are present in the hospital to help the affected families. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this accident. May God give everyone the strength to bear this sorrow.”
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Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena said there was an “unfortunate and tragic” incident of “loss of lives and injuries” due to “disorder and stampede”. In a post on X, Saxena said he has directed the chief secretary and the Delhi Police commissioner to address the situation. “My deepest condolences to the families of victims of this tragedy,” the LG said, adding that he is constantly monitoring the situation. He said the chief secretary has been asked to invoke disaster-management measures and deploy relief personnel. “All hospitals are in readiness to address related exigencies. Have instructed CS and CP to be at the site and take control of relief measures,” Saxena said.
While expressing grief, the Congress party criticised the NDA-led Central government, asking why there were no arrangements for crowd management and why more trains were not run. The post read, “The news of the death of many devotees going to Maha Kumbh at New Delhi Railway Station is extremely painful. The sympathies of the Congress family are with the bereaved families. In this hour of grief, may God give strength to the bereaved families and speedy recovery to the injured. Modi government should make arrangements to hand over the bodies of the deceased to their families and send them to their homes. All injured devotees should be given proper and better treatment. This tragic incident also raises some questions – If the government knew that Maha Kumbh was going on, then why were more trains not run during that time? Why were no arrangements made to control the crowd at the railway station? Who is responsible for this accident?”
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, “The news of several people dying and many getting injured due to the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station is extremely sad and distressing. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. This incident once again highlights the failure of the Railways and the insensitivity of the government. Considering the large number of devotees going to Prayagraj, better arrangements should have been made at the station. The government and administration should ensure that no one has to lose their life due to mismanagement and negligence.”
Veteran Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge wrote on X, “The news of many people dying in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station is extremely sad. The videos coming from the station are extremely heartbreaking. The attempt by the Narendra Modi government to hide the truth in the case of deaths at New Delhi Railway Station is extremely shameful and condemnable. We demand that the number of dead and injured be declared as soon as possible and the identity of the missing people should also be ensured. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The injured should be provided with immediate medical treatment.”
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Punjab Chief Minister and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann said, “The sad news of the death of passengers during the stampede last night at the New Delhi railway station. We pray to God for the peace of mind of the passengers who lost their lives in the tragic incident and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. This accident is the result of the negligence of the Ministry of Railways. It is a pity that no care is being taken for the precious lives of people in the capital of the country.”
Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal said, “Heart-wrenching news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am deeply pained by the loss of lives due to stampede on the Railway platform. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for speedy recovery of all those injured.”
Elaborating on how the stampede occurred, the Railways said, “An unprecedented rush situation developed… near platforms 13 and 14. Due to the sudden surge in passengers, some individuals fainted, which led to rumors of a stampede-like situation, causing panic among travelers. The situation was later brought under control by easing the congestion.”
DCP, Railways, KPS Malhotra said, with the Prayagraj Express on platform number 14, a lot of people had gathered. Passengers of Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani were also present at platforms 12, 13, and 14 as the trains were delayed, he said.