How confusion, overcrowding led to the New Delhi railway station stampede: MC Explains

New Delhi station stampede

Confusion around the platform number of three trains -- two delayed and one special train -- coupled with alleged mismanagement and overcrowding at New Delhi railway station caused a deadly stampede that claimed the lives of 18 passengers on February 15.

The central government was quick to announce some measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

These steps included the departure of all trains to Prayagraj from platform number 16, increasing the deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel, and announcing four special trains to Prayagrajat at 1900 IST  every day.

Passengers present at the station on February 15 blamed a range of lapses, including the absence of trained medical help and improper communication from railway staff for the catastrophe.

The Railways announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those who died, Rs 2.5 lakh to those grievously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for 'simple' injuries and said that more announcements are being made through the public announcement system.

What caused the incident?

An inquiry into the stampede has been ordered, with the Indian Railways announcing the names of two high administrative group officials, including Narsingh Deo, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, Northern Railways;  and, Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Northern Railways. The incident has triggered criticism about the preparedness for such large-scale events.

According to officials, the confusion over similar train names and multiple delays contributed to the stampede.

Hundreds of passengers tried to enter the Shiv Ganga Express and the Magadh Express to reach the Maha Kumbh destination. When they could not board the train, they kept waiting for the Prayagraj Express.

According to media reports, several passengers were waiting for the Prayagraj Express from New Delhi, which leaves at 2210 IST from platform number 14 and runs daily. Around the same time (around 2150 IST), announcements were made about a special train for Prayagraj departing from platform number 16.

Consequently, some passengers who could not board Prayagraj Express and Magadh Express at platform number 14 tried to rush towards platform number 16. The escalator and foot overbridge towards platforms 14 and 15 were already filled with people.

The stampede is suspected to have occurred on the same stretch of stairs and escalators between 2130 IST and 2215 IST.

What drew the massive crowds?

Railway officials told Moneycontrol that overcrowding at New Delhi railway station on Saturday was mostly due to the excess sale of general-class tickets. Officials told Moneycontrol that around 9,600 general-class tickets were sold between 1800 IST and 2000 IST on Saturday.

"The Indian Railways Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) recorded the sale of 2,600 additional tickets on Saturday," a senior railway official told Moneycontrol.

The sale of around 1,500 general class tickets every hour in such a situation also raised serious questions about accountability. Many passengers claimed that the influx should have been halted in time. Around 54,000 general-class tickets were booked via UTS on February 15.

A second railway ministry official noted that while the platform was undoubtedly overcrowded, the total ticket sales were still lower than the figures recorded on January 29 and February 8, when 58,000 and 54,660 general-class tickets were sold, respectively.

Another railway official linked the rush to the ongoing Maha Kumbh pilgrimage, explaining that ticket checks on key routes had been relaxed.

"Because of the Maha Kumbh, Indian Railways is not checking tickets on many crucial routes. The rush is massive, with passengers struggling even for standing space inside trains. The UTS ticket figures provide an estimate, but the actual crowd was likely much higher," the third official said.

Eyewitnesses claimed that crowds swarmed reserved AC coaches, forcing entry and pushing out passengers and luggage to board trains. Similar scenes played out in Varanasi on trains like the Swatantra Senani Express.

Could the accident have been prevented?

Experts believe the tragedy could have been averted, had the railway authorities anticipated the surge in passengers based on the unusually high number of ticket sales during peak hours.

Eyewitnesses claimed nothing was done to control the crowd. Several passengers said the crowd had started increasing at 21: 00 IST and the GRP and Railways were aware of this but no proper arrangements were made on time.

Despite clear warning signs, the congestion only worsened. One user posted, "Shiv Ganga Express-12560. New Delhi - Overcrowded Platform No. 12 (last-minute change from 14). Despite having a ticket, we can't enter the coach. The first-class TTE has locked the door, but no one is managing the other AC coaches."

The lack of clear announcements regarding train arrivals was another major concern raised by passengers, with many believing it contributed significantly to the stampede --particularly in the case of the special train. Passengers at the station claimed that the announcements were unclear due to the background noise.

Furthermore, railway officials did not redirect traffic from the staircase and escalator to other bridges and access routes to prevent overcrowding and panic.

What is the Indian Railways doing now?

It has directed all zones to remain on maximum alert, ensuring the safety of passengers during seasons of heavy footfall, especially in stations dealing with high number of passengers travelling to the Maha Kumbh.

Railway stations across Uttar Pradesh have been put on high alert following massive convergence of devotees reaching Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Sangam. Prayagraj and its neighbouring districts, including Ayodhya, Gonda, Varanasi, Fatehpur, Gorakhpur and Lucknow, saw a huge crowd on railway stations.

Indian Railways has urged travellers to remain calm and avoid falling for false information. Passengers should not switch platforms based on rumours and must follow official announcements for smooth boarding. Public cooperation will help railway authorities run both regular and special trains efficiently.

Railways helpline number 139 remains active to assist travellers during the ongoing rush. So far, over 130 calls have been received regarding the incident. Railway personnel have also supported the families of the 18 deceased, accompanying them home and attending their final rites.

The Mahakumbh mela, which started on January 13, will continue till February 26. Over 50 million pilgrims have taken part in the grand festival so far.