Alert NFR Loco Pilots Avert Elephant Tragedies Through Exemplary Vigilance

 
Guwahati, 10th November, 2025: In a remarkable display of alertness and compassion, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to wildlife conservation and safe train operations in elephant-prone zones. Thanks to the vigilance and timely response of its loco pilots and crew, several elephants were recently saved from potential mishaps across different NFR sections, as stated in an official statement given by Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer:

On 10th October 2025, Shri Jitendra Kumar, Tower Wagon Driver, exhibited exceptional dedication while on duty between Rajabhatkhawa and Kalchini in Alipurduar Division. Spotting two elephants crossing the tracks, he immediately applied the brakes and brought the Tower Wagon to a complete halt, thereby preventing a possible accident.

Similarly, on 16th October 2025, during the operation of a Special Train, Loco Pilot Shri Satyendra Yadav and Assistant Loco Pilot Shri Sudarshan Hatimuria noticed four elephants crossing the tracks in the Mariani–Titabar section of Tinsukia Division. Acting promptly, they stopped the train in time, saving all four elephants.

In yet another incident on 24th October 2025, the crew of Train No. 20503 (Dibrugarh–New Delhi) Rajdhani Express, Loco Pilot Shri Lalman and Assistant Loco Pilot Shri Vinit Gupta, observed an elephant on the track between Bokajan and Khotkhoti of Tinsukia Division. Their quick action in applying emergency brakes successfully averted a tragic mishap, ensuring the safety of both passengers and wildlife.

These exemplary instances highlight the unwavering vigilance, responsibility, and compassion of NFR’s running staff. With the longest elephant corridors in the Indian Railways network, the NFR continues to prioritize safe train operations while protecting wildlife. The zone is actively implementing advanced measures such as Intrusion Detection Systems, construction of underpasses, and enhanced patrolling to minimize elephant–train collisions in sensitive regions.