Delhi railway station stampede: Swelling crowd and continuing sale of tickets led to stampede

Security personnel stand guard at the New Delhi Railway Station, in New Delhi on February 16, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI

The swelling crowd of pilgrims and railways continuing to issue tickets to Prayagraj is being seen as the main reason for Saturday’s (February 15, 2025) stampede at New Delhi railway station that left 18 passengers dead and many others injured.

According to railway sources, even as a large gathering of people was waiting on Platform 14 to board a train to Prayagraj, sale of tickets continued at the counters. Railway authorities issued about 1,500 general (unreserved tickets) every hour to Prayagraj and there was no access control. Passengers were allowed into the station premises from all entry points.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that about 2,600 people had booked tickets to Prayagraj between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Shortly before 9.15 p.m., the stampede occurred after a large number of pilgrims waiting to board a train to Pyaragraj on Platform No 14 started moving following a confusion in announcements. However, railway officers said no such announcement was made that could have caused the confusion.

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The pilgrims rushed towards another 16 by using the foot over bridge. Since dozens of people, including women and children, were sitting there (the bridges) the rush resulted in the stampede.

Hundreds of passengers on Platform 13 were stranded there after their train – New Delhi to Dharbanga Swatantrata Senani Express – was delayed and rescheduled to start around midnight, the sources added.

In a statement, the Railways said: “In order to avoid any untoward incident in future, Indian Railways appeals through media outlets to the public at large, not to fall prey to rumours as it was witnessed in the unfortunate incident at New Delhi railway station yesterday. All the travellers are requested not to change platforms on hearsay and strictly follow the official announcement. Indian Railway seeks cooperation of passengers by adhering to operational planning of Indian Railways. This will go a long way & help zonal railway authorities to smoothly execute planned regular & special train services for the commuters.”