Delhi railway station stampede: ₹10 lakh ex gratia announced to families of deceased

New Delhi: The Indian Railways, on Sunday, announced an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede at Delhi Railway Station.

A compensation of ₹2.5 lakh has been allocated for those with serious injuries, while those with minor injuries will receive ₹1 lakh.

The incident happened at around 9:55 pm on Saturday on platforms 14 and 15, where large crowds had gathered to board trains to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. As the passenger surge intensified, panic ensued, leading to a stampede that claimed at least 18 lives and left more than a dozen injured.

Acting Delhi Chief Minister Atishi stated that 15 of the deceased were brought to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital in central Delhi. Authorities have identified all but two of the victims, including three children.

The Railway Board has launched a high-level investigation into the tragedy. 

The six-week Kumbh Mela is the single biggest milestone on the Hindu religious calendar, and officials said around 500 million devotees have already visited the festival since it began last month.