The incident occurred around 9:30 PM on platforms 13 and 14, as a massive influx of passengers, primarily devotees en route to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, led to overcrowding. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated rapidly due to delays in the Swatantra Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, causing passengers to converge on the already crowded platforms. The situation was later controlled by easing the rush situation. Indian Railways announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ⁹2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and ¹1 lakh for individuals with minor injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident, stating, \”Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones\” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered a high-level inquiry to determine the cause of the stampeded.
