A train driver was forced to slammed on the brakes after a man was found fast asleep - on the tracks.

The bizarre incident took place near the Mau Aimma railway crossing in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, on Wednesday (Aug 21).

Video shows a man - sheltered under an umbrella - asleep on the tracks, completely oblivious to the approaching train.

The train was en route to Pratapgarh when the sharp-eyed train driver spotted the man lying on the tracks from a distance.

The driver, who wasn't named, immediately brought the train to a halt - preventing a potential tragedy.

According to reports, the man was woken up and guided off the tracks before the train could resume its journey.