Venomous Russell's Viper Rescued From Mumbai's BKC Metro Station Basement, Video Surfaces
A venomous Russell's Viper was rescued from the basement of Mumbai’s BKC Metro Station. Found dehydrated and lethargic, the snake was given water by rescuers before being safely released into the wild. Wildlife teams briefed metro staff on safety and warned citizens that monsoon flooding often drives snakes into urban spaces.
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Security personnel at the Mumbai Metro Line 3 Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) site discovered a highly venomous Russell’s Viper inside the facility's basement on Tuesday morning, June 23. The unexpected discovery triggered a swift wildlife rescue operation to safely remove the reptile from the busy transit hub. The incident came to light at approximately 7:47 AM when the Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) team stationed at the Aqua Line site spotted the snake in the second basement, adjacent to the Audit Bhavan near the BKC station. Security officials immediately alerted the Wildlife Protection and Rescue Association (VAPRA) to handle the situation.
Dehydrated Viper Provided Water On-Site
Upon receiving the distress call, snake rescuer Atul Kamble coordinated with Forest Guard and Round Officer Dilip Gaikwad from the Mumbai Range Control Room before arriving at the station. Rescuers identified the reptile as a two-to-two-and-a-half-foot-long Russell's Viper, known locally as Ghonas, which is recognised as one of India's most venomous snake species. Mumbai Metro One Services Disrupted for 17 Minutes After Man Walks From Andheri to Azad Nagar on Tracks.
Highly Venomous Snake Caught Inside Mumbai's BKC Metro Station
A Russell’s viper, one of India’s most venomous snakes, was spotted and rescued from Basement-2 of the BKC Aqua Metro Line 3 station in Mumbai on Tuesday morning.
The dehydrated snake was given water before being safely rescued and later released into its natural habitat as per… pic.twitter.com/ReiUK1OQOw
— Mid Day (@mid_day) June 23, 2026
The viper was found tightly curled in a corner of Basement-2 and appeared unusually weak. Wildlife handlers noted that the snake was suffering from severe dehydration, likely aggravated by a prolonged spell of hot weather preceding the local monsoon. In a rare display, handlers offered water to the viper immediately after capturing it. The snake drank the water immediately, drawing the attention of onlookers and metro staff. Upon being rehydrated, the reptile quickly regained its energy and began demonstrating standard defensive postures, including its characteristic loud, pressure-cooker-like hissing.
Metro Staff Briefed on Wildlife Safety
Following the successful capture, the response team conducted an impromptu safety briefing for the metro employees, labourers, and engineering staff present at the BKC site. The handlers detailed essential protocols on how to react to future reptile sightings, stressing the actions that workers should avoid to prevent accidental strikes. The captured Russell’s Viper was secured in a specialised transport container. Following standard safety and conservation guidelines mandated by the Maharashtra Forest Department, the snake was relocated and released into a designated natural habitat well away from human population centres. Dust Storm in Thane and Navi Mumbai: Panic As Strong Winds Hit Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Netizens Share ‘Scary’ Videos.
Environmental Context and Monsoon Advisory
The Bandra-Kurla Complex, which borders the Mithi River and surrounding mangrove ecosystems, has recorded a significant rise in human-wildlife encounters over recent years. Underground infrastructure piling and extensive construction vibrations have increasingly displaced local reptile populations from their natural habitats. Wildlife organisations have renewed public safety warnings as the monsoon season advances across Mumbai. Heavy seasonal rainfall routinely floods subterranean burrows and drainage networks, driving snakes out of their nests to seek drier, elevated shelter inside commercial complexes, residential buildings, and active construction zones.
Citizens are strictly advised never to attempt handling, provoking, or capturing a snake independently. If a reptile or displaced wild animal is spotted within city limits, residents should maintain a safe distance and immediately contact certified wildlife handlers or dial the Forest Department’s centralised helpline at 1926.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2026 07:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
