Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station amid Maha Kumbh rush; Railways forms two-member high-level committee
A stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on the night of 15 February 2025, amid crowds heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, killed 18 people and injured 15, according to the Railways' official statement.
Summary
A stampede broke out at New Delhi Railway Station between about 9:15 and 9:30 pm on 15 February 2025 as crowds swelled to board Prayagraj-bound trains during the Maha Kumbh. The Railways' official statement, issued on 16 February, said 18 people died and 15 were injured; The Hindu and The Indian Express reported the same toll, and Delhi Police released the list of the dead. The Railways formed a two-member high-level committee of Northern Railway's Principal Chief Commercial Manager Narsingh Deo and Principal Chief Security Commissioner Pankaj Gangwar. Ex gratia of ₹10 lakh was paid to the kin of each deceased, ₹2.5 lakh to the grievously injured and ₹1 lakh to those with minor injuries. Preliminary inquiries pointed to confusion over announcements for Prayagraj-bound trains. PM Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives.
Key facts
- When
- Night of 15 February 2025 (about 9:15-9:30 pm)
- Toll (Railways statement)
- 18 dead, 15 injured
- Probe
- Two-member committee: Narsingh Deo (PCCM) and Pankaj Gangwar (PCSC), Northern Railway
- Ex gratia
- ₹10 lakh (deceased), ₹2.5 lakh (grievous), ₹1 lakh (minor)
- Context
- Crowds for Prayagraj-bound trains during Maha Kumbh
Practice MCQs 4 questions
The stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on 15 February 2025 occurred amid crowds heading to which city for the Maha Kumbh?
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Correct answer: A — Prayagraj
The stampede took place as crowds swelled to board Prayagraj-bound trains during the Maha Kumbh.
Who were the members of the two-member high-level committee formed by the Railways to probe the New Delhi Railway Station stampede?
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Correct answer: D — Narsingh Deo and Pankaj Gangwar
The committee comprised Northern Railway's Principal Chief Commercial Manager Narsingh Deo and Principal Chief Security Commissioner Pankaj Gangwar.
What ex gratia amount (in rupees) did the Railways pay to the kin of each person who died in the New Delhi Railway Station stampede?
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Correct answer: C — 10 lakh
The Railways paid ₹10 lakh to the kin of each deceased, ₹2.5 lakh to the grievously injured and ₹1 lakh to those with minor injuries.
Consider the following statements about the New Delhi Railway Station stampede of February 2025: 1. The Railways formed a two-member high-level committee of Northern Railway officers to investigate it. 2. Grievously injured persons were paid an ex gratia of ₹2.5 lakh. 3. The inquiry was entrusted to a retired Supreme Court judge. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
The probe was given to a two-member committee of Northern Railway officers, and the grievously injured received ₹2.5 lakh; no retired judge was appointed, so the third statement is wrong.