8 Elephants Killed as Rajdhani Express In Assam Derails After Collision

8 Elephants Killed After Rajdhani Express In Assam Collides With Herd

A tragic railway accident in Assam has led to the death of eight elephants after a Rajdhani Express in Assam collided with a herd in the early hours of Saturday, derailing multiple coaches. While no passengers or railway staff were injured, the incident has raised serious concerns about wildlife safety and train operations in forest-adjacent regions.

Details of the Incident

The accident occurred at approximately 2:17 a.m. on December 20 in the Jamunamukh–Kampur section under the Lumding Division of Northeast Frontier Railway. The 20507 DN Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express was travelling towards the national capital when it struck a group of elephants that had wandered onto the tracks.

The impact caused the locomotive and five coaches to derail, bringing the high-speed train to an abrupt halt. The accident site is located around 126 kilometres from Guwahati, in an area that railway officials stated is not officially marked as an elephant corridor.

Eight Elephants Killed in the Collision

Officials later confirmed that eight elephants were killed in the collision. The full condition of the remaining animals from the herd was not immediately disclosed, but forest and railway authorities began coordination to assess the situation.

The loss of wildlife has triggered concern among conservationists, as Assam is home to a significant population of wild elephants that often move across fragmented habitats intersected by railway tracks.

No Casualties Among Passengers

Despite the severity of the derailment, railway authorities confirmed that no passengers or railway staff were injured. According to officials, the loco pilot noticed the elephants on the track and immediately applied emergency brakes. However, due to the train’s speed and limited reaction time, the collision could not be avoided.

The successful prevention of human casualties was credited to swift action by the train crew and safety mechanisms, even as the tragic loss of animal life cast a shadow over the incident.

Emergency Response and Restoration Efforts

Following the derailment, Accident Relief Trains and senior officials from the Lumding divisional headquarters were rushed to the site. High-ranking railway officers, including the General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway and the Divisional Railway Manager of Lumding, personally reached the location to oversee rescue, safety checks, and restoration work.

Passengers from the derailed coaches were safely moved and temporarily accommodated in vacant berths in other coaches of the same train.

After detaching the damaged coaches, the Rajdhani Express in Assam resumed movement and departed the site for Guwahati at around 6:11 a.m. Railway officials stated that once the train reaches Guwahati, additional coaches will be attached to ensure all passengers can continue their journey comfortably towards New Delhi.

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Passenger Assistance and Helplines

To support passengers and their families, helpline numbers were activated at Guwahati railway station. Authorities confirmed that assistance desks were set up to provide real-time updates and address concerns.

Railway officials also assured passengers that their safety remained the top priority and that necessary arrangements were being made to minimize disruption.

Impact on Train Services

Train services passing through the affected section were temporarily diverted through the UP line to avoid further delays. Restoration work is currently underway, and officials stated that normal train movement will resume only after thorough safety inspections are completed.

Engineering teams were deployed to clear debris, inspect tracks, and ensure that the section meets operational safety standards before reopening.

Wildlife Safety Concerns Resurface

The incident in which 8 elephants were killed has once again brought attention to the long-standing issue of wildlife-train collisions in Assam and other forest-rich regions. While railway authorities noted that the area was not a designated elephant corridor, experts have repeatedly warned that animal movement patterns often extend beyond officially marked zones.

Conservationists have called for enhanced monitoring systems, reduced train speeds in sensitive areas, and better coordination between railway and forest departments to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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A Tragic Reminder

While the absence of human casualties offered some relief, the loss of eight elephants remains a stark reminder of the fragile balance between infrastructure development and wildlife conservation. The Rajdhani Express in Assam derailment highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to protect both passengers and animals.

As investigations and restoration efforts continue, the incident is expected to prompt renewed discussions on railway safety, wildlife corridors, and long-term solutions to prevent such accidents.

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