Rajdhani Express Derails in Assam After Hitting Elephants, No Passenger Injuries Reported
A tragic railway accident early Saturday morning in Assam has once again brought attention to the growing conflict between wildlife movement and rail infrastructure. The Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express derailed after colliding with a herd of elephants in Assam’s Hojai district, resulting in the death of seven elephants and injuries to one more.
While the incident caused significant damage to the train, railway officials confirmed that no passengers were injured, offering some relief amid the distressing circumstances.
What Happened: Timeline of the Incident
According to officials, the accident occurred at around 2:17 am in the Jamunamukh–Kampur railway section under the Lumding division. The Rajdhani Express, which was on its scheduled journey from Sairang near Aizawl to Delhi, struck a herd of elephants that had moved onto the railway tracks.
The impact caused the train’s engine and five coaches to derail, leading to an immediate halt of services on the affected route. Emergency response teams were alerted shortly after the incident.
Elephants Killed, One Injured
Forest department officials confirmed that seven elephants died on the spot, while one elephant was found alive but injured. Initial reports had suggested all eight elephants were killed, but later clarification confirmed that one animal survived the collision.
The injured elephant is currently being treated by veterinary doctors, while post-mortem procedures for the deceased elephants are underway. Authorities stated that cremation would be carried out near the accident site, following legal and wildlife protection protocols.
Fog Likely a Contributing Factor
According to local forest officials, heavy fog in the area may have played a significant role in the accident. Poor visibility during early morning hours is common in parts of Assam during this season, making it difficult for both wildlife and train operators to react in time.
Railway officials stated that the train driver applied emergency brakes after spotting the herd. However, due to the short distance and low visibility, the collision could not be avoided.
Not a Declared Elephant Corridor
Interestingly, railway authorities clarified that the accident site is not officially marked as an elephant corridor. Despite this, forest experts point out that elephants often move across large landscapes in search of food and water, especially during seasonal changes.
Such incidents highlight the limitations of relying only on designated corridors, as wildlife movement does not always follow mapped routes.
Railway Response and Passenger Safety
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) acted swiftly after the derailment. Accident relief trains and senior railway officials reached the location within hours. The general manager of NFR and the divisional railway manager from Lumding personally monitored the situation.
Passengers from the affected coaches were temporarily accommodated in vacant berths in other compartments. The train, after detaching the derailed coaches, resumed movement towards Guwahati at around 6:11 am.
Additional coaches were arranged at Guwahati, allowing the Rajdhani Express to continue its onward journey safely.
Helplines and Train Diversions
To assist passengers and their families, railway authorities activated helpline numbers at Guwahati railway station. These helplines were set up to provide real-time updates regarding passenger status and train movement.
Meanwhile, trains scheduled to pass through the affected section were diverted via alternate routes, and restoration work on the damaged track began immediately. Railway officials stated that normal operations would resume once safety checks were completed.
A Recurring Wildlife–Railway Conflict
This incident is not an isolated case. Train collisions involving elephants and other wildlife have been reported in several parts of India over the years, particularly in forest-rich states like Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Experts have long advocated for measures such as:
- Speed restrictions in wildlife-sensitive zones
- Installation of early-warning systems
- Better coordination between forest and railway departments
- Use of AI-based animal detection technology
While some initiatives are already in place, incidents like this underline the need for stronger preventive mechanisms.
About the Rajdhani Express Route
The Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express connects Mizoram’s Sairang (near Aizawl) with Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi. The train plays a crucial role in connecting the Northeast with the national capital and is widely used by passengers traveling long distances.
Any disruption on this route affects not just passengers but also overall railway operations in the region.
Final Conclusion
While it is a relief that no passengers were injured in the derailment, the loss of wildlife is deeply concerning. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between infrastructure development and environmental conservation.
As railway networks expand and train speeds increase, protecting wildlife must remain a priority. Coordinated planning, technology-driven solutions, and proactive monitoring could help prevent such tragic events in the future.
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