What critical error contributed to the railway station stampede according to the RPF report?

According to the RPF report, a major contributing factor to the stampede was the poorly timed announcement about a platform change. The announcement regarding the change in departure platform was made when personnel were already struggling to manage crowds on platforms and foot over bridges. This created confusion among passengers who were already in transit between platforms. The ill-timed communication exacerbated the crowding situation, ultimately leading to the tragic incident that resulted in 18 deaths at the New Delhi railway station during the Kumbh Mela special train departures.