The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), in close coordination with the Assam Forest Department, has intensified efforts to ensure the safe movement of elephants across railway tracks in Assam, with a series of timely interventions helping prevent elephant-train collisions in vulnerable corridors.
In a recent incident on Wednesday, officials of the Assam Forest Department coordinated with railway authorities to halt Train No. 20503 (Dibrugarh–New Delhi) Rajdhani Express in the Lumding–Habaipur section during the early morning hours, allowing a herd of elephants to cross the railway tracks safely.
Similar instances were reported in the past few days, underscoring the vigilance of NFR's loco pilots and frontline railway staff. On August 15, the loco pilot of Train No. 15665 (Guwahati–Mariani) Express slowed and stopped the train to facilitate the safe crossing of a herd of elephants in the Lamsakhang–Patharkhola section. Again, on August 16, the loco pilot of Train No. 15650 (Narangi–Agartala) Express took timely action to allow elephants to safely cross the tracks in the Habaipur–Lamsakhang section.
Railway officials said these incidents demonstrate the strong coordination between the NFR and the Assam Forest Department, as well as the alertness and commitment of railway running staff in protecting wildlife while ensuring safe train operations.
To minimize the risk of elephant-train collisions, NFR has introduced several technology-driven and preventive measures in identified elephant corridors. These include the deployment of an AI-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) using Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) technology, which provides real-time alerts on elephant movement near railway tracks.
Other initiatives include night-time and temporary speed restrictions based on elephant sightings, enhanced track patrolling, sensitization of loco pilots and train crews, installation of cautionary signage, vegetation clearance along tracks, and continuous real-time coordination with the Forest Department.
NFR has also implemented the innovative 'Plan Bee' system at vulnerable locations, which uses amplified honeybee sounds to deter elephants from approaching railway tracks. Additionally, underpasses are being constructed at identified locations to facilitate safer wildlife movement and reduce the chances of elephants coming onto railway lines.
The Northeast Frontier Railway reiterated its commitment to adopting advanced technologies, strengthening coordination with wildlife authorities and enhancing the vigilance of its frontline staff to ensure safe railway operations while safeguarding the region's rich wildlife. Officials emphasized that timely interventions in elephant corridors remain crucial in preventing elephant-train collisions and promoting harmonious coexistence between rail transport and wildlife conservation.