Railways announce compensation for those killed in stampede at New Delhi Railway Station

Railways on Sunday announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed in the stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station.

Those seriously injured will get Rs 2.5 lakh and those with minor injuries 1 lakh, the railway said.

At least 18 people were killed and more than a dozen injured in the stampede that broke out late Saturday night at the crowded railway station.

The stampede was preceded by a swell in crowd of passengers waiting to board trains for Prayagraj -- where the Maha Kumbh is underway -- on platform number 14 and 15 of the station.

The incident occurred as a massive crowd of passengers, hoping to board trains to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, rushed onto platforms 14 and 15.

The stampede followed a sharp increase in the number of passengers attempting to catch the evening trains to the holy city, resulting in overcrowding and chaos.

While most of the victims have been identified, authorities noted that two of the casualties remain unidentified. Among the deceased were at least three children.

DCP Railway KPS Malhotra explained the cause of the incident, stating that the main reason for the stampede was a surge in passengers during the delays of two trains.

Earlier, the Railways claimed that special trains are being run to manage the sudden rush at New Delhi Railway Station. Four special trains were run to evacuate the unprecedented sudden rush.

It also confirmed that all scheduled trains are running as per their regular schedule.

Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav expressed grief over the death of people in the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station.

He said, “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate stampede 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.”

Authorities are investigating the cause of the stampede and heightened security measures have been implemented at the station to prevent further incidents.

By PTI