Rajdhani Express collides with elephants in Assam
Seven elephants, including four calves, were killed when the Delhi-bound Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express hit a herd of wild elephants in Assam’s Hojai district. Another calf was injured in the accident.
Accident happened early morning
The collision took place at 2:17 am on Saturday near Sangjurai village, in the Jamunamukh–Kampur section of the Northeast Frontier Railway. The impact caused the train’s engine and five coaches to derail.
Railway officials confirmed that no passengers were hurt despite the seriousness of the crash.
Details of the elephant herd
Among the elephants killed were three females and four males. One of the females was reportedly pregnant. After post-mortem examinations, the elephants were cremated.
Villagers said the herd had more than 50 elephants and often moved through the area in search of food.
Questions raised about safety systems
About 32 km away from the accident site, railway tracks have an AI-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) installed in a notified elephant corridor. This system helps warn train drivers about animal movement.
Locals said that if a similar system had been installed in the Sangjurai area, the accident might have been prevented, as elephants frequently cross there.
Chief Minister orders enquiry
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep sadness over the incident. He ordered the Forest Department to conduct a detailed investigation and strengthen wildlife corridors, especially during low-visibility seasons.
Action taken after the incident
The forest department seized the train engine involved in the collision. The two loco pilots were detained for questioning and later released on personal bonds after 12 hours.
Forest officials said they had warned railway authorities about elephant movement in the area, but predicting the exact crossing point was difficult.
Railways deny corridor status
Railway officials stated that the accident did not occur in a designated elephant corridor. The loco pilot applied emergency brakes after spotting the herd but could not stop the train in time.
Fog and lack of corridors blamed
Local MLA Jitu Goswami said fog may have reduced visibility and contributed to the tragedy. Residents also criticised the lack of officially marked elephant corridors in the greater Kampur area, which has become a human-elephant conflict hotspot.
Train services affected
Following the accident:
- Nine local passenger trains were cancelled
- Several long-distance trains were delayed or regulated
- Helpline numbers were activated at Guwahati railway station
Passengers from the damaged coaches were shifted to other coaches. After removing the affected coaches, the Rajdhani Express left for Guwahati early morning and was scheduled to resume its journey with additional coaches.
Growing concern over wildlife safety
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for better protection of wildlife movement paths and stronger coordination between forest and railway authorities to prevent such tragic losses.
