A deadly stampede occurred on Saturday at New Delhi’s main railway station, claiming the lives of 15 people. The incident occurred as large crowds of pilgrims rushed to attend a major Hindu festival in northern India, known as the Kumbh Mela.
According to reports, trains bound for the festival had been delayed, causing passengers to swell at the station before the stampede. An investigation has been ordered by the country’s minister for railroads, Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences for the victims and announced compensation for those injured. The Ministry of Railways said that extra trains were run to alleviate the crush and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Kumbh Mela is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, attracting millions of devotees over six weeks. This year’s event coincides with a rare celestial alignment that takes place once every 144 years, making it larger than usual. The festival has a history of stampede incidents, including fatal ones in 2013 and 1954.
Managing the massive crowds at the festival is a significant challenge for the Indian government. Despite measures to prevent such incidents, accidents continue to occur, highlighting the need for improved crowd management and infrastructure.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/15/world/asia/kumbh-mela-stampede-delhi-station.html