Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Northeast Frontier Railway Says Measures Saved 255 Elephants
Trains and elephants can meet in dangerous ways near railway tracks.
Northeast Frontier Railway says its staff helped save 255 elephants between January and September 2026.
The railway uses a system that listens for signs of elephants near the tracks and sends alerts.
Staff may slow trains, patrol areas and warn train crews when elephants are nearby.
The railway also works with the Forest Department.
It has installed a system called Plan Bee that plays amplified honeybee sounds to deter elephants.
Underpasses are being built to help animals cross more safely.
Staff also ask people not to leave food waste near tracks because it may attract animals.
Northeast Frontier Railway says interventions saved 255 elephants from January to September 2026.
The reported totals were 106 in Alipurduar, 14 in Rangiya, 122 in Lumding and 15 in Tinsukia divisions.
Measures include an AI-based intrusion detection system using Distributed Acoustic System technology to alert staff to elephant movement near tracks.
Other measures include speed restrictions, patrolling, crew awareness, warning signs, vegetation clearance and coordination with the Forest Department.
NFR has also installed its Plan Bee deterrent at vulnerable locations and is building underpasses to support safer wildlife movement.
- Who
- Northeast Frontier Railway personnel, working with the Forest Department, carried out the interventions.
- What
- NFR says timely actions helped save 255 elephants from train collisions.
- When
- January to September 2026.
- Where
- Across Northeast Frontier Railway divisions, including Alipurduar, Rangiya, Lumding and Tinsukia.
- Why
- To prevent train–elephant collisions, protect elephants and support safe train operations.
- Reported elephants saved
- 255
- Reported period
- January–September 2026
- Alipurduar Division
- 106 elephants
- Rangiya Division
- 14 elephants
- Lumding Division
- 122 elephants
- Tinsukia Division
- 15 elephants
- Detection technology
- AI-based Intrusion Detection System using Distributed Acoustic System technology
- Deterrent
- Plan Bee uses amplified honeybee sounds to deter elephants