1 week ago

Railway, Assam Forest Department Coordinate to Protect Elephants

Elephants sometimes need to cross railway tracks in Assam.

Trains can be dangerous for them if they are not seen in time.

Railway workers and forest officials are working together to keep the elephants safe.

On 19 August 2026, a Rajdhani Express was stopped so a herd could cross.

Train drivers also helped elephant herds cross safely on 15 and 16 August.

The railway uses special technology to detect elephants near tracks.

It also uses speed limits, patrols, warning signs and trained train crews.

A system called Plan Bee uses honeybee sounds to discourage elephants from going onto the tracks.

Underpasses are also being built to provide safer routes for wildlife.

Key facts

Main agencies: Northeast Frontier Railway and the Forest Department of Assam
Recent train stoppage: Train No. 20503, Dibrugarh–New Delhi Rajdhani Express, was stopped on 19 August 2026.
Other safe crossings: Train Nos. 15665 and 15650 were involved in safe elephant crossings on 15 and 16 August 2026.
Detection technology: NFR uses an AI-based Intrusion Detection System with Distributed Acoustic System technology.
Additional measures: These include speed restrictions, enhanced patrolling, crew sensitisation, warning signs and vegetation clearance.
Elephant deterrent: The Plan Bee system uses amplified honeybee sounds to deter elephants from railway tracks.
Infrastructure: NFR is constructing underpasses at identified locations to support safer wildlife movement.

freepressjournal.in · 1 week ago