Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed deep anguish over the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that claimed 18 lives and left many others injured on the night of February 15.
Taking to his official X handle, CM Sarma extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of Assam to the bereaved families and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. “I am extremely anguished by the terrible news coming in from New Delhi Railway Station. On behalf of the people of Assam, we offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the stampede. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured,” he wrote.
The stampede reportedly occurred around 10 pm on platforms 13 and 14, triggered by a sudden rush of passengers. According to railway officials, some passengers fainted due to overcrowding, leading to panic and rumors of a stampede, which further escalated the chaos. Among the deceased were nine women, five children, and four men.
In response to the tragedy, the Indian Railways announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹25 lakh for those seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries. A high-level inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident.
Authorities, including Delhi Fire Services, immediately dispatched four fire tenders and ambulances to the site, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was deployed for rescue operations. The Northern Railways later confirmed that to ease congestion, four special trains were dispatched to accommodate the unprecedented passenger rush.
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