Assam Rail Tragedy: 8 Elephants Killed, Rajdhani Express Derails

December 20, 2025: In a tragic incident that has once again highlighted the conflict between infrastructure and wildlife, at least eight elephants were killed and five coaches of the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express derailed in Assam’s Hojai district early Saturday morning.

The accident occurred at approximately 2:17 AM on December 20, 2025, in the Changjurai area, situated within the Jamunamukh–Kampur section of the Lumding Railway Division.

Details of the Accident

The Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express (Train No. 20507), which connects Mizoram to the national capital, was traveling through a stretch about 126 km from Guwahati when a herd of elephants attempted to cross the tracks.

According to officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the loco pilot spotted the herd and immediately applied emergency brakes. However, due to the high speed of the premium train and the weight of the coaches, the collision was unavoidable. The impact was so severe that:

• Seven elephants died instantly, while an eighth succumbed to injuries later.
• The locomotive (engine) and five coaches jumped the tracks.
• One elephant calf was found injured and is currently receiving veterinary care.

Passenger Safety and Rescue Operations

Despite the derailment, railway authorities confirmed that no passengers or train staff were injured.

• Relief Efforts: Accident Relief Trains (ART) and senior officials from the Lumding division rushed to the site shortly after the crash.
• Passenger Transfer: Passengers from the derailed coaches were moved to vacant berths in the remaining intact coaches.
• Journey Resumption: The train, after detaching the damaged coaches, proceeded to Guwahati at 6:11 AM. From there, additional coaches were attached to ensure all passengers could complete their journey to New Delhi.

A Rising Concern for Wildlife

The incident has sparked fresh outrage among environmentalists. While the NFR stated that the accident site was not a designated elephant corridor, forest officials noted that heavy winter fog likely reduced visibility for the loco pilot.

The deaths have reignited the debate over the “Plan Bee” initiative and AI-based surveillance systems (like the Intrusion Detection System) designed to alert pilots of animal movement. Despite these technologies, winter months remain particularly dangerous for Assam’s wild elephants as they move from the hills to find food and water.

Current Status of Rail Traffic

Rail services in the region were significantly disrupted. Several trains scheduled to pass through the affected section have been diverted via the “UP line” while restoration work continues. Forest department officials are currently conducting autopsies on the carcasses, and the railway tracks are being cleared of debris.