Assam Train Elephant Deaths increased to eight on Sunday after an injured elephant calf died during treatment. The calf was under care at the Kaziranga Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre. Forest officials said the male calf was less than 15 days old and suffered severe injuries.
The incident occurred after the New Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express hit a herd of elephants in Assam’s Hojai district. The collision took place near Sangjurai village around 2 am on Saturday. Seven elephants, including four calves, died on the spot. Officials confirmed that no intrusion detection system was installed in the area. Local villagers said dense fog may have contributed to the accident.
Following the incident, Northeast Frontier Railway imposed speed restrictions near the site. Trains must run at 30 kmph within a one-kilometre stretch. Railway authorities also deployed round-the-clock watchmen for safety.
In response to rising elephant movement, Jharkhand Railways cancelled eight trains from December 22 to 24. The Chakradharpur division took the decision to avoid risks to wildlife. Officials cited frequent elephant crossings along multiple sections.
Seven MEMU services and one passenger train were cancelled. Railway authorities said safety teams and train pilots remain on high alert. The move aims to prevent further loss of wildlife and human life.
