This is the moment passengers travelling to the Indian mass bathing festival crammed into a train, two weeks after a stampede at the event killed at least 30 worshippers.

Bizarre footage shows locals entering the train engine and closing the door from within at Varanasi Cantt Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, February 8, around 2 am.

Commuters who could not find seats boarded the locomotive cabin while the train was stationed at platform number two, bound for Prayagraj. Approximately 20 individuals can be seen in the video.

Railway officials responded promptly to the situation.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) arrived at the scene and safely removed the passengers from the engine.

Officials emphasised the dangers of travelling in the engine due to its vital operational controls.

After the incident, the passengers were accommodated in the train compartments.

Authorities said Varanasi is currently experiencing a large influx of devotees due to the Maha Kumbh, resulting in extensive crowds at temples, ghats, and pilgrimage sites.

Railway officials have urged travellers to adhere to safety regulations and avoid taking risks by boarding trains in unauthorised areas.

Additional security guards have been deployed to manage the crowds effectively.

On January 29, tens of millions had gathered to take a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh Mela when chaos 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, 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.