NEW DELHI, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Indian railway ministry has urged people in the country to avoid taking selfies and making stunts near railway tracks, officials said Friday.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal in a message urged people to avoid such acts saying that he was disheartened by the accidents happened while taking selfies and stunts in the last few days.

"I urge all of you not to risk your lives, instead, channelise our energy in more productive areas and help in building a New India," Goyal said.

A couple of videos have emerged this week on the social media where youth were seen making stunts and taking selfies endangering their lives.

Selfie craze has taken several lives in India and the world.