2 weeks ago
Rajdhani Express Halts in Assam to Let Elephants Cross Safely
A train in Assam was traveling near railway tracks when elephants needed to cross.
Forest workers noticed the elephants as the train approached.
They quickly warned the train driver and railway control room.
The Rajdhani Express stopped so the elephants could pass.
The herd crossed the tracks without being hurt.
The train continued after the crossing was complete.
Reports said the herd had about 6,000 elephants.
Assam’s forest minister shared a video and praised the people who helped keep the animals safe.
A Down Rajdhani Express stopped near Hawaipur in Assam’s Hojai district on Wednesday morning.
Forest personnel spotted a herd of wild elephants approaching the railway tracks as the train neared the area.
The forest staff, loco-pilot and Lumding Railway Control Room coordinated to halt the train.
Reports said approximately 6,000 elephants crossed the tracks safely before the train resumed its journey.
Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Barua shared video of the incident and praised wildlife protection teams.
- Who
- A Down Rajdhani Express, a herd of wild elephants, Assam Forest Department personnel, the loco-pilot and the Lumding Railway Control Room.
- What
- The train was stopped to allow the elephant herd to cross the railway tracks safely.
- Where
- Near kilometer 167/8 in the Hawaipur area under Lanka Range, Hojai district, Assam.
- When
- Early Wednesday morning, August 19, 2026.
- Why
- To prevent a possible collision and let the elephants cross safely.
Key facts
- Train
- Down Rajdhani Express
- Location
- Hawaipur, Lanka Range, Hojai district, Assam
- Reported date
- Wednesday, August 19, 2026
- Reported herd size
- Approximately 6,000 wild elephants
- Coordination
- Assam Forest Department personnel, the loco-pilot and Lumding Railway Control Room
- Outcome
- The elephants crossed safely and the train resumed its journey
- Minister
- Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Barua shared footage on X
Quotes
Jayanta Malla Baruah
Assam Forest Minister
“Every day, our dedicated forest personnel remain watchful, quietly ensuring the safety of our wildlife. These may be silent stories, but each safe crossing is a story worth telling.”
freepressjournal.in
“"Alert action by our Assam forest staff, the loco‑pilot and Lumding Railway Control Room ensured the herd crossed safely and the train resumed its journey."”
wionews.com
Sources
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