Archive · 6 Oct 2026
NFR Reports Elephant Collision Prevention Efforts, Counts Differ Slightly
Northeast Frontier Railway says it took steps to keep elephants from being hit by trains.
The efforts covered January through September 2026.
Most reports say 255 elephants were saved, but one says 257 potential collisions were prevented.
The four division figures reported add up to 257, so the reports differ on the total.
A detection system listens for signs of elephants near railway tracks and sends alerts.
Railway staff may also slow trains, patrol, and work with forest departments.
Plan Bee uses amplified honeybee sounds to discourage elephants from coming near tracks.
Underpasses are being built at some places to help wildlife move more safely.
The railway also urges people not to leave food waste by the tracks because it could attract animals.
Northeast Frontier Railway said it helped prevent elephant–train collisions from January through September 2026.
Most reports cite 255 elephants saved, while one report says 257 potential collisions were prevented.
The reported division figures are 106 in Alipurduar, 14 in Rangiya, 122 in Lumding and 15 in Tinsukia, which add up to 257.
Measures include an AI-based Intrusion Detection System using Distributed Acoustic System technology to provide real-time alerts about elephant movement.
Other efforts include speed restrictions, patrols, Plan Bee, underpasses, staff and passenger awareness, and coordination with forest departments.
- Who
- Northeast Frontier Railway personnel, working with forest departments, and elephants near railway tracks.
- What
- NFR reported efforts to prevent elephant–train collisions; reports gave totals of 255 saved or 257 potential collisions prevented.
- When
- January to September 2026; reports were published on October 4.
- Where
- NFR divisions of Alipurduar, Rangiya, Lumding and Tinsukia in the Northeast and adjoining areas.
- Why
- To prevent elephant–train collisions and support safer wildlife movement.
255 Elephants Saved
257 Collisions Prevented
Reported prevention total
255 Elephants Saved
Most reports, including statements attributed to NFR officials, say timely interventions helped save 255 elephants.
257 Collisions Prevented
A Telegraph India report says 257 potential collisions were prevented; its listed division figures also sum to 257.
- Reporting period
- January–September 2026
- Reported total
- Most reports say 255 elephants saved; one says 257 potential collisions prevented
- Alipurduar
- 106
- Rangiya
- 14
- Lumding
- 122
- Tinsukia
- 15
- Detection technology
- AI-based Intrusion Detection System using Distributed Acoustic System technology
- Additional measures
- Speed restrictions, patrolling, Plan Bee, underpasses, awareness efforts and forest-department coordination
Sources
NFR saves 255 elephants from train collisions through wildlife protection measures
Northeast Frontier Railway averts 257 elephant-train collisions across Northeast in nine months - Telegraph India
Over 250 Elephants Saved From Collisions With Trains Under NFR Limits
Over 250 elephants saved from collisions with trains under NFR limits in 9 months
