Watch: Baby python rescued from train engine at Mumbai CSMT amid monsoon season

Python inside train at CSMT station (Pic/Special arrangement)

A baby python was rescued from the engine compartment of a train at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) during the early hours of Wednesday after railway staff spotted the reptile during routine operations.

The incident came to light around midnight when railway personnel noticed movement inside the train engine and discovered a young snake lodged within the compartment. As a precautionary measure, trained wildlife rescuers were immediately alerted to the situation.

Soon after being informed, Honorary Animal Welfare Officer Abhishek Ashok Thavare from the Forest Department rushed to the station. Following standard rescue protocols and taking all necessary safety precautions, Thavare successfully rescued the baby python at approximately 1:40 am.

Officials identified the reptile as an Indian Rock Python, a non-venomous species protected under Indian wildlife laws. The rescue operation was completed swiftly, ensuring that railway services and train movements at the busy terminus remained unaffected.

Following the rescue, the snake was safely released into a suitable natural habitat away from human settlements.

Wildlife experts noted that such incidents become more common during the monsoon season, when heavy rains and waterlogged conditions force reptiles and other animals to seek shelter in dry locations.

Snake rescued from BKC Metro Line 3 station after heavy rains

In a separate incident on Tuesday, a highly venomous Russell's Viper snake was rescued from the Mumbai Metro Line 3 BKC metro station. The incident came to light on Tuesday morning after security personnel spotted the reptile in the basement of the facility.

According to officials, the operation to rescue the reptile was initiated at around 7:47 am when the security team of MSF at the Metro Line 3 site informed members of the wildlife rescue organisation Vapra about the presence of a snake in the second basement adjacent to the Audit Bhavan near the BKC Aqua Metro station.

Following the alert, the snake rescuer immediately informed Forest Guard and Round Officer Dilip Gaikwad of the Mumbai Range Control Room before proceeding to the location.

Snake rescue identified the reptile as a Russell's Viper

Upon arrival, the rescuer identified the reptile as a Russell's Viper, locally known as Ghonas, one of India's most venomous snake species. The snake that was rescued at the BKC metro station, measuring approximately two to two-and-a-half feet in length, was found curled up in a corner and appeared unusually lethargic.

Rescuers believe the snake may have been suffering from dehydration following the recent spell of hot weather.

The rescuer, after catching the snake, highlighted that the reptile was offered to the reptile, which reportedly began drinking immediately, drawing the attention of staff members present at the site.

After rehydrating, the snake regained its energy and displayed normal defensive behaviour, including its characteristic loud hissing sound.