Delhi Police said on Sunday that confusion over the similar names of two trains, Prayagraj Express and Prayagraj Special, caused panic and triggered the deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday.
According to police officials, the announcement that Prayagraj Special would arrive at Platform 16 led to panic among passengers waiting for the Prayagraj Express at Platform 14. In their confusion, passengers unable to board their train at Platform 14 mistakenly believed it would arrive at Platform 16. This led to overcrowding and the ensuing stampede as passengers rushed toward Platforms 12, 13, and 14, causing chaos.
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The incident, which occurred around 10 pm, resulted in the deaths of 18 people. Thousands of devotees, many traveling for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival in Prayagraj, were at the station at the time, causing severe overcrowding. Four trains were scheduled to depart for Prayagraj, three of which were delayed, contributing to the large number of passengers.
At the time of the stampede, Prayagraj Express was at Platform 14, Magadh Express was at Platform 12, Swatantrata Senani Express was at Platform 13, and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani was at Platform 15. All trains, except for the Prayagraj Express, were delayed.
Delhi Police conducted a high-level meeting to review the initial inquiry report into the stampede. An inquest proceeding has been initiated under the leadership of a DCP-rank officer. Additionally, a two-member committee has been formed to conduct a High-Level Inquiry (HAG) into the incident.
Indian Railways announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased. Rs 2.5 lakh has been announced for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.