Northeast Frontier Railway Saves 255 Elephants from Train Collisions in 2026
Proactive Measures by Northeast Frontier Railway
File image of herd of elephants crossing rail tracks (Photo: @drm_apdj/X)
Guwahati, Oct 5: This year, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully protected 255 elephants from potential train accidents through its proactive wildlife conservation strategies.
According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of NFR, from January to September 2026, timely actions taken by railway personnel have safeguarded these elephants across various divisions. Notably, 106 elephants were saved in the Alipurduar Division of West Bengal, 14 in Rangiya, 122 in Lumding, and 15 in Tinsukia Division in Assam.
Sharma emphasized that NFR has ramped up its initiatives to avert elephant-train collisions by employing a mix of advanced technology, increased vigilance, and close collaboration with local Forest Departments.
Among the measures implemented is the AI-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) utilizing Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) technology, which offers real-time alerts regarding elephant movements near railway tracks.
Additional preventive strategies include imposing temporary speed limits during nighttime based on elephant sightings, enhanced patrolling, training for train crews, installation of cautionary signs, clearing vegetation, and maintaining real-time communication with the Forest Department.
The NFR has also introduced the “Plan Bee” system, which uses amplified honeybee sounds to deter elephants at critical locations, according to the CPRO.
Moreover, the railway has initiated the construction of underpasses at strategic points to ensure safer wildlife passage and to keep elephants away from the tracks.
Sharma noted that NFR is actively educating train crews, railway staff, pantry car personnel, and passengers about the importance of not discarding food waste near the tracks, as this could attract elephants and other wildlife.
Ongoing coordination and real-time communication with the Forest Department facilitate prompt responses whenever elephant movements are detected.
All incidents involving train-elephant collisions are treated with the highest priority and are thoroughly investigated following established safety protocols.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), based in Maligaon near Guwahati, serves the Northeastern states and extends its operations into seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of northern Bihar.