Stampede-like chaos at Asansol station as pilgrims rush for Mumbai-bound train, DRM’s measures fail

A massive rush of passengers at Asansol railway station on Sunday evening led to chaotic scenes as thousands of pilgrims attempted to board the weekly Mumbai-bound train, which passes through Prayagraj. Despite preemptive crowd-control measures by the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and railway police, the overwhelming number of travelers caused severe congestion, resulting in a stampede-like situation. Barricades were placed at station entry points to regulate movement, but as soon as the train arrived, passengers surged forward, leading to disorder and pushing.

Earlier in the day, DRM Chetanand Singh visited Asansol station to assess preparations following the recent Delhi station tragedy. "Special arrangements have been made for passenger safety," he had stated. However, by the evening, the crowd exceeded expectations, making it difficult for authorities to maintain order. Railway police attempted to manage the rush by restricting entry and guiding passengers, but the sheer volume of people made enforcement ineffective. Passengers reported discomfort and difficulty in movement, with fears of possible injuries due to overcrowding.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people struggling to board the train amid heavy crowd pressure. Despite the disorder, no casualties were reported. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the ability of railway authorities to handle large gatherings, particularly during peak travel seasons. While authorities had implemented precautionary steps, the overwhelming turnout exposed gaps in crowd management, prompting questions about future safety measures at major railway hubs.