Railway authorities have set up a high-level committee to probe the stampede that occurred at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15, a police officer confirmed. The officer also stated that the investigation into the tragic event, which claimed 18 lives and left many injured, is already underway.
In response to the disaster, Indian Railways has started running special trains for pilgrims traveling to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh.
DCP Railway KPS Malhotra told reporters, “Railway authorities have appointed a high-level commission to inquire about the situation. The inquiry proceedings began immediately as soon as we were informed about the deceased… Our duty is to support the public and ensure that such incidents do not repeat in the future.”
Additionally, a two-member committee has been established to investigate the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15, which resulted in 18 fatalities and multiple injuries.
According to Indian Railways, the committee consists of Narsingh Deo, Northern Railway’s Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM), and Pankaj Gangwar, its Principal Chief Safety Commissioner (PCSC). The committee has launched a High-Level Inquiry (HAG) into the incident and has instructed authorities to secure all available video footage from the station to aid the investigation.
The stampede occurred at 10 p.m. on Saturday as massive crowds gathered at the station, with thousands of devotees making their way to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, leading to extreme overcrowding.
The victims were identified as Aaha Devi, 79, Pinky Devi, 41, Sheela Devi, 50, Vyom, 25, Poonam Devi, 40, Lalita Devi, 35, Suruchi, 11; Krishna Devi, 40, Vijay Sah, 15, Neeraj, 12, Shanti Devi, 40, Pooja Kumar, 8, Sangeeta Malik and Poonam, both aged 34, Mamta Jha, 40, Riya Singh, 7, Baby Kumari, 24, and Manoj, 47.
Indian Railways has announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
Northern Railway’s CPRO told ANI that the tragic incident began when a passenger lost balance and slipped on the stairs leading to platforms 14 and 15, triggering the stampede and leaving several others injured.
