Co-ordinated efforts of NF Railway and Forest Department of Assam helping ensure elephant safety on Railway Tracks
· Free Press Journal
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), in close coordination with the Forest Department of Assam and through the alertness of its frontline railway staff, is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of elephants in crossing railway tracks across Assam.
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In a recent instance on 19th August 2026, officials of the Assam Forest Department coordinated with railway officials to facilitate the timely stoppage of Train No. 20503 (Dibrugarh–New Delhi) Rajdhani Express in the Lumding–Habaipur section during the early morning hours. The prompt action enabled a herd of elephants to cross the railway track safely.
Similar instances have also been reported in recent days, highlighting the vigilance of NFR’s loco pilots. On 15th August 2026, the alertness of the loco pilot of Train No. 15665 (Guwahati–Mariani) Express enabled a herd of elephants to safely cross the track in the Lamsakhang – Patharkhola section. Likewise, on 16th August 2026, the loco pilot of Train No. 15650 (Narangi – Agartala) Express took timely action to facilitate the safe passage of elephants in the Habaipur – Lamsakhang section.
These instances reflect the effective coordination between NFR and the Forest Department, along with the vigilance and sense of responsibility of railway running staff, in preventing elephant–train interactions and protecting wildlife in elephant corridors.
NFR has taken several proactive and technology-driven measures to prevent elephant–train collisions in vulnerable areas. These include deployment of AI-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) using Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) technology, which provides real-time alerts on elephant movement near tracks. Other preventive measures include night-time and temporary speed restrictions based on elephant sightings, enhanced patrolling, sensitisation of train crews, cautionary signage, vegetation clearance and real-time coordination with the Forest Department. The ‘Plan Bee’ system, using amplified honeybee sounds to deter elephants, has also been installed at vulnerable locations. NFR has further undertaken the construction of underpasses at identified locations to facilitate safer wildlife movement and keep elephants away from railway tracks.
NFR remains committed to adopting innovative technologies, strengthening coordination with wildlife authorities and enhancing the vigilance of its frontline staff to ensure safe train operations while protecting the rich wildlife of the region. Timely interventions are particularly significant in the elephant corridors of NFR, where coordinated efforts by railway personnel and Forest Department of Assam officials play a crucial role in preventing elephant–train collisions.