In the early hours of Saturday, Assam’s Hojai district witnessed a tragic accident involving the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express. The train collided with a herd of elephants in the Jamunamukh-Kampur section, leading to the death of eight elephants and injury to one. Thankfully, no human casualties have been reported.
About the Rajdhani Express Route
The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express connects Mizoram’s Sairang, near Aizawl, to Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi. The accident highlights the challenges of maintaining railway safety while protecting wildlife in sensitive forest areas.
Details of the Accident
The incident occurred around 2:15 AM when the elephants suddenly appeared on the tracks. The train’s loco pilot applied the emergency brake, but the collision was unavoidable. Five coaches of the Rajdhani Express derailed due to the impact, causing a temporary disruption in train services along this section.
Rescue and Safety Measures for Passengers
Passengers were safely evacuated from the derailed coaches and provided with refreshments and assistance. Emergency teams ensured that all travelers were accounted for, and no injuries were reported during the incident.
Response by Railway Officials
Senior railway officials, including the general manager of Northeast Frontier Railway and the divisional railway manager of Lumding, rushed to the site immediately. Passengers from the affected coaches were temporarily accommodated in vacant berths of other coaches. After a halt for safety checks, the train resumed its journey toward Guwahati by 6:15
Impact on Train Services and Wildlife
The accident caused temporary disruption to railway traffic, with several trains being diverted along alternative routes. Forest officials from Nagaon Division have started restoration work at the site and are assessing the wildlife impact. The tragic loss of elephants has raised concerns about train-wildlife collisions in the region.
