Roads were gridlocked as millions of Indians flocked to the country's mass bathing festival after a deadly stampede.

Footage shows the traffic chaos in Prayagraj on January 30, just two days after at least 30 devotees were crushed at the Maha Kumbh Mela event.

Authorities said they halted more than 200,000 vehicles from neighbouring districts of Prayagraj to ensure the safety of devotees.

Vehicles carrying worshippers from Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Bhadohi, Chitrakoot, Jaunpur, Mirzapur, and Rewa were stopped for hours.

Officials stated that it would be even more difficult for the police to manage the post-stampede situation if these vehicles were allowed into the city.

Senior IPS officers were also deployed to supervise traffic control on the ground.

On Wednesday, tens of millions had gathered to take a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh Mela when disorder erupted around 1:30 am.

Akanksha Rana, the special executive officer for the festival, stated that the devastating stampede occurred 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.