Indian Railways Initiates Fencing Project to Prevent Livestock Accidents in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Railways is taking significant steps to enhance safety and protect livestock along its tracks in Madhya Pradesh. The Western Central Railway’s Bhopal division has commenced a fencing initiative along a 530-kilometer stretch between Khandwa and Bina. This project aims to prevent livestock from straying onto the railway tracks, thereby safeguarding both animals and train operations.

The dual objectives of this initiative are to reduce the risk of train accidents involving livestock and to ensure the safety of rural families who depend on these animals. Collisions with animals can lead to fatalities and disrupt train services, particularly when trains are scheduled to travel at speeds of 130 kilometers per hour or more.

Saurabh Kataria, the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, stated that approximately 74 kilometers of fencing has already been completed at a cost of around ₹2.88 crore. The railway aims to finish the entire project by March 2027. The completed sections include 49 kilometers on the Khandwa-Itarsi stretch, 4 kilometers on the Itarsi-Bhopal stretch, and 21 kilometers on the Bhopal-Bina stretch.

To further enhance safety, the division has constructed four animal overpasses in the Budhni-Barkheda Ghat section. Three of these structures are located on the “up line,” while one is on the “middle line.” These overpasses are designed to allow animals to cross the railway corridor without accessing the tracks, significantly reducing the likelihood of collisions.

The presence of livestock on railway lines can lead to serious consequences, including loss of animal life, financial setbacks for farmers, and damage to railway property. Such incidents can necessitate reductions in train speeds or service interruptions, ultimately affecting passenger services.

Kataria emphasized that the Bhopal division prioritizes passenger safety. The division is committed to making railway operations safer through modern technology, improved infrastructure, and effective safety measures. He noted that the fencing and overpasses would help keep livestock off the tracks, minimizing the risk of accidents and service disruptions.

This project is being implemented under the guidance of Divisional Railway Manager Pankaj Tyagi. Once completed, the entire Khandwa-Bina railway line will be fenced, and designated animal crossing points will be available in the Budhni-Barkheda Ghat section. The railway anticipates that these measures will strengthen safety infrastructure, save livestock, and enhance the reliability of train operations on this route.