The packed New Delhi Railway station became a horrific sight for thousands of passengers, mostly the Maha Kumbh pilgrims, after an overnight stampede led to at least 18 deaths.

At least 15 people, mostly women and children, died and 15 were injured in a stampede at New Delhi's main railway station, the chief minister of India's capital territory told reporters early on Sunday.

Many of the victims were Hindu pilgrims who were traveling to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj in northern India, officials said.