Thousands of devotees flocking to a bathing festival caused a stampede that killed at least 20 people at a railway station in New Delhi on Saturday evening.

Officials said 14 women and four children were killed when crowds tried to board packed carriages going to the Hindu Maha Kumbh event.

The country's Railway Ministry sent four special trains to evacuate passengers. Police, paramedics and fire crews were working to bring the situation under control.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

President Droupadi Murmu added: 'I am deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station.

'I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.'

Maha Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu pilgrimage festival where millions of devotees and tourists gather to take a holy dip in the sacred rivers, believing it cleanses sins and grants salvation.

However, the resulting chaos has led to dozens of deaths and injuries.

In one incident on January 29, millions had gathered to take a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh Mela when disorder erupted around 1:30 am. Police confirmed that at least 30 devotees were killed, while 60 others were injured during one of the holiest events in the country.