At least 22 trains were damaged due to overcrowding during the Maha Kumbh 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament on Wednesday.
Addressing concerns over the February 15 stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station, which resulted in the deaths of 18 people and left 15 others injured, Vaishnaw termed the incident “unfortunate” and confirmed that a high-level inquiry had been ordered.
Increased Demand for Tickets on February 15
Responding to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mala Roy’s query regarding general ticket sales on the day of the stampede, Vaishnaw stated that approximately 49,000 general tickets were issued at New Delhi Railway Station—13,000 more than the daily average over the previous six months. To accommodate the surge in passengers, five special trains were operated.
Compensation for Stampede Victims
Clarifying the compensation process, the railway minister said that under the Railways Act, 1989, compensations for deaths and injuries in railway accidents or untoward incidents are determined by the Railway Claims Tribunal.
“So far, an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh has been provided to the next of kin of each deceased, ₹2.50 lakh to each grievously injured passenger, and ₹1 lakh to each person with minor injuries. A total of ₹2.01 crore has been paid to 33 affected individuals and their families,” Vaishnaw stated.
Maha Kumbh 2025 Operations and Vandalism Reports
According to official data, Indian Railways operated 13,667 trains between January 13 and February 28 to facilitate the transportation of approximately 12 to 15 crore pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh.
Despite efforts to manage the rush, incidents of vandalism were reported at railway stations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Videos circulating on social media showed agitated pilgrims throwing stones and damaging trains heading toward Prayagraj.
Vaishnaw defended the railway’s handling of the passenger influx, stating that each special train accommodated around 3,000 passengers, making five additional trains sufficient for 15,000 extra travelers.
Ticketing System and Overcrowding Measures
Addressing concerns raised by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi about overcrowding, the minister clarified that unreserved tickets can be issued not only at railway stations but also through the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) Mobile App, automatic ticket vending machines (ATVMs), Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Sevaks (JTBS), and Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendras (YTSK).
Unreserved tickets for distances up to 199 km can be purchased on the same day, while those for distances exceeding 200 km can be booked up to three days in advance.
Explaining ticket issuance at major stations, Vaishnaw noted, “Unreserved tickets from a particular station may be issued for journeys originating from any station within the designated cluster. For instance, tickets issued at New Delhi Railway Station could be for journeys originating from any of the 57 stations in the Delhi area.”
Sources By Agencies
