Swelling crowd and continuing sale of tickets led to Delhi stampede

Safety personnel stand guard on the New Delhi Railway Station, in New Delhi, on February 16, 2025.
| Photograph Credit score: PTI

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

In accordance to railway sources, at the same time as a big gathering of individuals was ready on Platform 14 to board a practice to Prayagraj, sale of tickets continued on the counters. Railway authorities issued about 1,500 normal (unreserved tickets) each hour to Prayagraj and there was no entry management. Passengers have been allowed into the station premises from all entry factors.

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

Shortly earlier than 9.15 p.m., the stampede occurred after a big quantity of pilgrims ready to board a practice to Pyaragraj on Platform No 14 began transferring following a confusion in bulletins. Nevertheless, railway officers stated no such announcement was made that might have precipitated the confusion.

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The pilgrims rushed in direction of one other 16 by utilizing the foot over bridge. Since dozens of individuals, together with girls and kids, have been sitting there (the bridges) the push resulted within the stampede.

A whole lot of passengers on Platform 13 have been stranded there after their practice – New Delhi to Dharbanga Swatantrata Senani Specific – was delayed and rescheduled to begin round midnight, the sources added.

In an announcement, the Railways stated: “So as to keep away from any untoward incident in future, Indian Railways appeals by way of media retailers to the general public at massive, not to fall prey to rumours because it was witnessed within the unlucky incident at New Delhi railway station yesterday. All of the travellers are requested not to change platforms on rumour and strictly comply with the official announcement. Indian Railway seeks cooperation of passengers by adhering to operational planning of Indian Railways. This can go a great distance & assist zonal railway authorities to easily execute deliberate common & particular practice providers for the commuters.”