A deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday claimed 18 lives—including 11 women and 5 children—as crowds surged to board trains headed for the Maha Kumbh religious festival in Prayagraj. Over a dozen others were injured in the chaotic scene, which authorities attribute to an unanticipated rush of pilgrims.
India's Ministry of Railways confirmed a high-level inquiry into the incident, calling it \"unfortunate\" while pledging corrective measures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on social media, stating: \"My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Authorities are working to assist all affected.\"
The Maha Kumbh, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, attracts millions of devotees every 12 years, raising questions about crowd management and infrastructure preparedness during major events. Local officials confirmed enhanced medical and logistical support for ongoing pilgrimage routes.
As New Delhi grapples with the tragedy, global observers highlight the urgent need for scalable safety protocols in rapidly urbanizing regions. The incident underscores tensions between cultural traditions and modern transportation systems in fast-growing economies.
Reference(s):
At least 18 dead after stampede at New Delhi railway station
cgtn.com
