New Delhi: Five women were killed and at least 10 others injured in a stampede that broke out at New Delhi Railway Station today (Nov 13, 2004) when a heavy crowd of Bihar-bound passengers were rushing to catch a train.

Two of the dead have been identified as Kanta Devi and Laxmi, Railway sources told.

The mishap took place at Platform No 3 at around 14:00 hrs (IST) when a large number of people were descending the stairs from the over-bridge in a rush to catch Patna-bound Jan Sadharan Express to be home for the Chhath Puja and Eid, they said.

Two women slipped on the stairs and many others fell on them, leading to injuries to at least 15 people, they said.

The injured were shifted to a nearby Railway hospital where five of them succumbed, the sources said.

Railway Minister Laloo Prasad sanctioned ex-gratia relief of Rs 1 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed, Rs 15,000 for the injured and Rs 5,000 for those with minor injuries, Northern Railway general manager R R Jaruhar told.

The Minister made the announcement after visiting the injured.

Five injured were admitted at Railway Hospital while two with head injuries were admitted at RML Hospital.

Laloo told reporters that in view of rush of passengers for Diwali, Chhath and Eid festivals, which coincided, the Railways had introduced 100 special trains for Bihar and attached 300 additional coaches to different Bihar-bound trains.

The Minister said because a need was felt for more trains to meet the rush, he has ordered another 50 special trains.

Laloo, who visited the injured in the Railway hospital, said he has cancelled his visit to Patna today.

He said the injured would be given treatment free of cost and proper arrangements would be made for their journey.