A video showing a man carrying a snake while asking for money from train passengers has recently gone viral, prompting a response from Indian Railways. The incident, captured on the Ahmedabad Sabarmati Express, depicts a man parading a snake in close proximity to commuters, seemingly to solicit money.

The video sparked outrage and concern on social media, with many users questioning the safety and legality of allowing snakes on trains. One user shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), bringing the incident to the attention of railway authorities.

Indian Railways swiftly responded to the complaint, tagging the official X account of DRM Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Division and requesting the passenger's PNR and contact number to take necessary action. Railway Seva, the official Twitter account for railway customer service, later provided an update after investigating the matter.

According to Railway Seva, CCTV footage from the train's arrival and departure at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya station was carefully examined. However, the authorities stated that no individual carrying a snake was seen boarding or alighting from the train in the video. A thorough search was also conducted within the station premises, but no one matching the description was found. Despite these efforts, the Railway Seva assured that relevant information had been shared with all security forces deployed on duty and that appropriate action would be taken if the individual is found in the future.

This incident is not isolated. There have been other instances of snakes being spotted on trains in India, causing panic among passengers. In one case, a snake was found inside the toilet of the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express, leading to a swift response from railway staff who removed the snake. Similarly, a snake was spotted in the AC coach of the Jabalpur-Mumbai Garib Rath Express, resulting in the coach being detached and sent back to Jabalpur. In November 2024, a travel influencer recorded a man with an Indian Cobra in a crowded general compartment, allegedly trying to scare people and extort money from them.

These incidents raise concerns about safety and security on Indian trains, prompting calls for stricter safety checks and regular maintenance of train coaches. While the railways have taken steps to address these concerns, such as conducting investigations and assuring passengers of future preventive measures, the repeated occurrences suggest a need for more comprehensive and proactive strategies.

The Indian Railways, often described as the nation's lifeline, plays a vital role in connecting diverse landscapes and transporting millions of passengers daily. While it has become one of the largest and busiest rail networks globally, incidents like these highlight the challenges in maintaining safety and security across its vast network.