This is the chaotic moment thousands of Indian worshippers piled into a train bound for the country's mass bathing festival.

Footage shows the uncontrollable crowd squeezing together as they attempt to board the locomotive at Varanasi Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, January 28.

Local media reported that Indian Railways cancelled several trips to manage the influx at Prayagraj station.

It came as at least 30 worshippers were killed in a stampede at the same event.

On January 29, millions had gathered to take a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj when disorder erupted around 1:30 am.

Akanksha Rana, the special executive officer for the festival, said that a devastating stampede unfolded after a crowd control barrier broke.

Police confirmed that 30 devotees were killed, 25 of them already identified, while 60 others were injured during one of the holiest events in the country.

A Rapid Action Force was deployed to restore order and assist with rescue efforts.

The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years, began on January 13. It is considered the largest human gathering on Earth, celebrating India's cultural and spiritual traditions. At least 450 million devotees are expected to participate in the holy dip during the 45-day event this year.

India is infamous for its jam-packed trains and overcrowded conditions, transporting millions of people daily. However, the ageing tracks, trains, and stations suffer from chronic underinvestment - leading to chaos for commuters.