Baby rock python rescued from Janshatabdi Express engine at CSMT

Mumbai, Jun 24 (PTI) A baby Indian Rock Python was rescued from the locomotive cabin of the Madgaon-CSMT Janshatabdi Express at CSMT here on Wednesday, railway officials said.

The snake was spotted inside the locomotive of train no. 12052 after it arrived at platform number 11 at 12.45 AM, according to a release issued by Central Railway.

This is the second reptile rescue in Mumbai in the last few days. Earlier this week, a Russell’s viper was rescued from the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) metro station.

The release said that loco pilot NK Parsoya noticed the reptile in the Mumbai-end cabin of the engine and immediately alerted his reliever, Omprakash Ram, as well as railway authorities.

Following the alert, honorary animal welfare officer Abhishek

Thavre reached the spot and safely rescued the baby python at around 1.40 AM.

The rescue operation did not affect train operations, the release said, adding that the snake was later released into its natural habitat.

The Indian rock python is a non-venomous species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance.

The incident coincided with the monsoon season, when wildlife often seeks shelter in human habitations and other enclosed spaces.

It is suspected that the hatchling may have entered the locomotive while seeking refuge from rain and was transported to Mumbai in the engine. PTI KK NSK