Trapped passengers force doors open after train breaks down between North Melbourne and South Kensington stations

STRANDED revellers travelling home from a music festival forced a train's doors open and walked the tracks after it broke down.

STRANDED revellers travelling home from a city music festival forced a train's doors open and walked the tracks after it broke down.

The train, packed with passengers from the St Jerome's Laneway Festival, came to a halt between North Melbourne and South Kensington late on Saturday night.

The incident sparked delays of up to an hour on five metropolitan lines and for country services.

Irate passengers complained the train's driver didn't update them on what was happening - forcing them to wait more than 45 minutes.

"Stuck on the train indefinitely," one tweeted.

"Train is packed, people are dehydrated. People forcing doors open and jumping out."

"Sitting in train on way home from laneway for 25 mins without moving. What the hell,'' said another.

But Metro Trains spokesman Daniel Hoare said passengers had placed themselves in a dangerous situation by leaving the train.

"No one should leave a train until told by staff or emergency services that it is safe to do so," Mr Hoare said.

"Taking it upon yourself to cross train tracks is potentially very dangerous and even life-threatening."

Mr Hoare said staff had been on their way to assist.

"A number of customers left the train without waiting for assistance from Metro staff, who were making their way there to help them disembark," he said.

"Trains were unable to proceed through the area during that time as there was a risk that some people may still be on or near the tracks."

The Sunbury, Craigieburn, Upfield, Williamstown and Werribee lines all suffered delays with police forced to make sure the tracks were clear.

Police confirmed they were called to the scene, about 500m north of North Melbourne station, about 11.55pm.

Passengers had quickly dispersed.