New Delhi: An inquiry report into the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which claimed at least 18 lives on Saturday night due to overcrowding, has identified key factors behind the tragedy.

According to the report, accessed by Aaj Tak, an announcement about a special train for Maha Kumbh devotees and a sudden spike in ticket sales for Prayagraj contributed to the fatal incident.

The report reveals that railway authorities were issuing around 1,500 general tickets per hour for Prayagraj.

On Saturday night, hundreds of passengers had gathered on platform 14 to board a train to Prayagraj, while another large crowd waited on platform 13 for the Swatantrata Senani Express, which operates between New Delhi and Darbhanga.

However, with the Swatantrata Senani Express delayed and rescheduled to depart at midnight, passengers remained on the platform.

The inquiry report states that the increasing number of travellers on platform 14 led to severe overcrowding, leaving little room for movement.

“At around 10 pm, considering the rising crowd and continued ticket sales, railway authorities announced a special train to Prayagraj from platform 16. Upon hearing this, passengers with general tickets waiting on platform 14 rushed towards platform 16 via the foot overbridge,” the report states.

"In the process, they trampled over people sitting on the overbridge. A passenger also slipped and fell, triggering the stampede," it adds.

Northern Railway confirms incident details

Confirming the findings, Northern Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay said, "At the time of the incident, the Magadh Express to Patna was stationed at platform 14, while the Jammu-bound Uttar Sampark Kranti was on platform 15. A passenger moving from platform 14 to 15 slipped and fell on the stairs, causing others behind him to topple. This led to the stampede. A high-level committee is investigating the matter."

He further stated that no trains were cancelled due to the incident and clarified, "Train schedules were not altered. We operated additional trains as planned. There was a normal rush, and the incident occurred only after a passenger accidentally slipped on the bridge. The situation is now under control, and train operations are running on schedule."

Delhi Police investigation underway

On Sunday, Delhi Police launched a probe into the stampede, announcing that they would analyse CCTV footage to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.

"Our primary focus is identifying the root cause of the stampede. We will collect all available data, including CCTV footage and railway announcements made at the time," news agency PTI quoted a police source as saying.

The 18 casualties included nine women, five children, and four men. Reports indicate that the oldest victim was 79, while the youngest was a seven-year-old girl.

The injured are currently receiving treatment at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital and Lady Hardinge Hospital.

Indian Railways announces compensation

Following the incident, Indian Railways announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 25 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for individuals with minor injuries.

High alert issued in Uttar Pradesh

In response to the tragedy, the Uttar Pradesh Government Railway Police (GRP) has placed all train stations in the state, especially Prayagraj, on high alert as the Maha Kumbh Mela continues.

ADG Railways Prakash D has called for heightened vigilance on platforms handling special trains bound for Prayagraj, with strict coordination to manage the influx of devotees.

"There must be no chaos at railway stations. GRP personnel have been deployed at all foot overbridges to ensure law and order," he stated.