A ‘Python Rake’ consists of 147 wagons and looks like a snake because of its formation with two engines in the front and two at the rear. Due to its length, a ‘Python Rake’ cannot be operated regularly to mainline stations as express trains have to be allowed to pass through on a priority. When required the ‘Python Rake’ can be split into two trains because of its configuration with four engines. The Sambalpur division had been chosen to operate the ‘Python Rake’ since it did not have much congestion, a railway official said, declining to be identified. Once the track doubling work on the Rayagada-Vizianagaram line is completed in about one year, it would enable the ‘Python Rake’ to haul a higher number of aluminium tankers.

Source: The Hindu May 15, 2019 17:26 UTC