Delhi stampede: Railways announces Rs 10 lakh compensation for those killed

The Indian Railways has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on the night of Saturday, 16 February.

Additionally, Rs 2.5 lakh will be provided to those seriously injured and Rs 1 lakh to individuals with minor injuries, a railway official said.

The tragic incident occurred around 10 p.m. on 15 February 2025, resulting in the deaths of 18 people, including 14 women. The stampede was triggered by a massive rush of passengers heading to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Prime minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered an investigation to determine the cause of the stampede.

Delhi Police have launched a probe into the incident and are analysing CCTV footage to understand the sequence of events leading up to the stampede.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. In his statement, Rahul Gandhi extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished for the swift recovery of those injured.

He emphasised that this incident underscores a significant failure on the part of the railway authorities and highlights governmental insensitivity.

The Congress leader pointed out that, given the large number of devotees traveling to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, better arrangements should have been implemented at the station to manage the crowd effectively.

He urged the government and administration to take immediate steps to prevent such tragedies caused by mismanagement and negligence in the future.

This sentiment was echoed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who demanded greater transparency and accountability in handling such incidents. He called for the government to disclose the exact number of fatalities and injuries, along with details about missing individuals.

Kharge stressed the importance of providing immediate medical care to the injured and supporting the victims' families, while also accusing the Centre of concealing the truth about the incident.

The incident has sparked a broader discussion on the need for improved crowd management and infrastructure at major transit points, especially during large-scale events like the Maha Kumbh, to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers.