Chaos at New Delhi Railway Station as Maha Kumbh Rush Causes Overcrowding; 10 Injured
On the evening of February 15, 2025, a stampede-like situation erupted at New Delhi Railway Station, leaving more than 10 people injured. The incident took place around 9:55 PM on platforms 14 and 15, triggered by an overwhelming surge of passengers traveling to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.
📍 Incident Overview:
- On the evening of February 15, 2025, a stampede-like situation occurred at New Delhi Railway Station.
- The incident took place around 9:55 PM on platforms 14 and 15.
- The chaos was triggered by a massive rush of passengers traveling to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.
- Over 10 people sustained injuries in the overcrowding.
🛕 Maha Kumbh Mela – The Cause of Surge:
- The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
- Over 500 million devotees have already visited in the past four weeks.
- The festival attracts pilgrims from across the country, increasing travel through major railway hubs like New Delhi Railway Station.
🚆 Overcrowding at the Station:
- Severe congestion was reported across the station, particularly on platforms 12, 13, and 14.
- Prayagraj Express was stationed at platform 14, drawing a massive crowd.
- Delays in Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani further worsened the situation.
- Around 1,500 general tickets were sold, leading to uncontrolled crowding.
🚨 Emergency Response:
- Four fire tenders were deployed for rescue operations.
- Railway Police and Delhi Police rushed to the scene to control the situation and assist the injured.
- Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that special trains were being introduced to ease the passenger load.
🔍 Official Statement and Rumors:
- Despite initial claims of a stampede, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railways dismissed the reports as rumors, stating that the situation was under control.
🛕 What is Maha Kumbh Mela & Why is it Causing Rush?
- Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held every 12 years.
- The festival attracts millions of Hindu devotees seeking a holy dip in the sacred river waters of Prayagraj.
- So far, over 500 million people have visited in the past four weeks.
- As devotees flock to Prayagraj, major railway hubs like New Delhi Railway Station are experiencing unprecedented congestion.
