Guwahati, August 19: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is actively collaborating with the Assam Forest Department to ensure the safety of elephants crossing railway tracks. This initiative involves close coordination and vigilance from frontline railway staff, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
Kapingjal Kishore Sharma, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of NFR, stated that early Wednesday, forest officials coordinated with railway authorities to halt the Dibrugarh-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in the Lumding-Habaiipur section. This timely action allowed a herd of elephants to cross the railway tracks safely.
Several recent incidents highlight the vigilance of NFR’s locomotive pilots. On August 15, the pilot of the Guwahati-Mariyani Express ensured that a herd of elephants could cross the tracks safely in the Lamsakhang-Patharkhola section.
Similarly, on August 16, the pilot of the Narangi-Agartala Express acted promptly, providing a safe crossing opportunity for elephants in the Habaiipur-Lamsakhang section.
Sharma emphasized that these incidents reflect effective coordination between NFR and the Forest Department, along with a strong sense of responsibility among railway operational staff. Such efforts play a crucial role in preventing collisions between elephants and trains, thereby protecting wildlife in elephant corridors.
NFR has implemented various proactive and technology-based measures to prevent elephant-train collisions in sensitive areas. This includes the deployment of an AI-enabled Intrusion Detection System (IDS) based on Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) technology. This system detects elephant activity around railway tracks in real-time and issues alerts.
Additionally, temporary speed restrictions are enforced at night based on elephant presence. The railway has also increased patrols, raised awareness among train crews, installed warning signs, cleared vegetation, and coordinated in real-time with the Forest Department.
A ‘Plan B’ system has been set up in sensitive locations, utilizing loud buzzing sounds from bees to keep elephants away from railway tracks.
NFR has also begun constructing underpasses at identified locations to facilitate safe wildlife movement and prevent elephants from accessing railway tracks.
Sharma reiterated NFR’s commitment to adopting new technologies, strengthening coordination with wildlife officials, and enhancing the vigilance of frontline staff to ensure safe rail operations while protecting the region’s rich wildlife.
He noted that timely intervention in elephant corridors is critical, as coordinated efforts between railway staff and forest department officials play a vital role in preventing elephant-train collisions.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is headquartered in Maligaon, near Guwahati. It operates rail services not only in the northeastern states but also in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of North Bihar.
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