A major train accident was averted after a large herd of wild elephants was spotted on the railway tracks. Thanks to the alertness of the railway authorities and the forest department, the herd was saved from being hit by a speeding train.
At Hawaipur in Hojai district, the down-bound Rajdhani Express was stopped for some time to ensure the safety of a herd of elephants crossing the railway track. The decision was taken when the herd was crossing the tracks at the 167/8 km stretch under Lanka forest range of Nagaon South Forest Division.
Reacting to the incident on social media, Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said, “Due to the timely action of forest department officials and staff, the loco pilot of the train, and the Lumding Railway Control Room, the herd of elephants was able to cross the railway track safely without any harm.”
After the herd crossed safely, the Rajdhani Express resumed its journey towards its destination. Such vigilance by forest personnel and the railway department has once again strengthened wildlife protection efforts in the state.
