This is the terrifying moment a snake emerged in a train carriage, causing panic in India.

Reports said the driver of the Patna-Gaya coach, Sanjay Kumar, was shocked when he noticed the unwelcome guest inside the engine.

Footage shows alarmed passengers, with some recording photos and videos of the serpent on Tuesday night, November 19.

The incident occurred on the Palamu Express, which travelled from Patna to Barkakana Junction when Kumar spotted the snake.

Kumar reportedly jumped off the train with his assistant and contacted Teregna station officials for help.

The train stopped for approximately two hours while technicians resolved the issue.

The reptile was eventually removed, allowing the train to resume its journey.

Local media reported that the snake was likely a cobra.

Cobras are venomous snakes found throughout the Indian subcontinent. Their venom can cause respiratory failure and cardiac arrest, with the effects potentially fatal within hours.