Bardhaman, West Bengal – October 12, 2025: A major incident of panic and chaos erupted at Bardhaman Railway Station in West Bengal on Sunday, 12 October 2025, after an unprecedented rush of passengers led to a stampede-like situation. The incident unfolded in the evening hours when multiple trains arrived or were scheduled to depart around the same time, causing thousands of eager travelers to gather across the station premises, especially around the foot overbridge (FOB) connecting Platforms 4 and 5.
Eyewitnesses reported that the crowd initially began swelling as several express and passenger trains were announced within a short interval. The rush peaked when passengers, hoping to secure seats, surged towards the foot overbridge that links the central platforms. The bridge quickly became overcrowded, with people jostling for space, leading to panic and confusion.
According to initial reports, at least seven passengers sustained injuries as the crowd pressed forward in an attempt to move between platforms. Some fell on the stairs as the pressure increased, and others reportedly fainted in the commotion. Local railway officials and station security personnel rushed to manage the situation, providing immediate assistance to the injured passengers. Ambulance services were called on the scene, and all injured individuals were taken to the nearest hospital for further treatment.
The incident, while contained swiftly, brought to light the pressing issue of crowd management at major railway stations, especially during festival seasons and weekends when passenger volumes increase manifold. Passenger unions and regular commuters have voiced concerns over inadequate arrangements for crowd control and the lack of sufficient signage and barricades to guide and regulate the movement smoothly.
Railway officials have initiated an enquiry, seeking CCTV footage and statements from onlookers and the affected passengers. “The safety of railway passengers is our utmost priority. We have started a formal investigation into the sequence of events leading up to the incident, and corrective measures will be implemented promptly,” said a senior Eastern Railway spokesperson.
In the aftermath, authorities have appealed to travelers to cooperate with the instructions of on-duty staff and urged the general public to avoid crowding platforms unnecessarily, particularly during arrival and departure times for multiple trains.
