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Thousands Seek Holy Dip, Overwhelm Daltonganj Station
19 Jan
Summary
- A near-stampede occurred at Daltonganj railway station due to a sudden influx of passengers.
- Over 1,000 passengers, mostly women and children, rushed for the Palamu Express.
- The passengers were traveling for a holy dip in the Phalgu river for Mauni Amavasya.
A near-stampede-like situation was averted at Daltonganj railway station on Sunday night, January 19, 2026. The incident occurred due to a sudden and massive influx of passengers, predominantly women, children, and girls, heading for a holy dip. Station officials reported that over 1,000 individuals were on platform 1, creating a significant rush.
The unexpected crowd surge was driven by pilgrims intending to travel to Gaya railway station for Mauni Amavasya. Their objective was to partake in a sacred dip in the Phalgu river, a significant ritual. This large number of passengers led to a chaotic scramble for the Up Barkakana Patna Junction Palamu Express train.
Station Superintendent Umesh Kumar stated on Monday that the abruptness of the rush made it difficult to anticipate. Measures were taken to manage the crowd and ensure safety, successfully preventing a full-blown stampede and allowing the train to depart.
