Tragic Incident in Assam: Eight Elephants Killed After Collision With Rajdhani Express; Five Coaches Derailed
A tragic accident occurred in the early hours of today in Assam’s Hojai district when a herd of elephants was hit by the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express, resulting in the death of eight elephants. One elephant calf was injured in the incident. Five coaches of the train derailed, but no passengers were reported injured.
The accident took place around 2:17 am near Changjurai area of Hojai district, approximately 126 km from Guwahati, when the high-speed Rajdhani Express collided with the elephant herd while passing through the forested stretch.
According to a spokesperson of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), immediately after receiving information about the incident, teams from the railway department, Railway Protection Force (RPF), police, and forest officials rushed to the spot. Accident relief trains were also dispatched, and rescue and restoration operations were launched without delay.
As a precautionary measure, several trains passing through the Jamunamukh–Kampur section were diverted, and repair work on the damaged track was initiated. Although five coaches were derailed, railway officials confirmed that no passenger casualties occurred. However, passengers experienced panic due to the sudden jolt and shaking of the train.
The Divisional Forest Officer of Nagaon, Subhash Kadam, stated that forest personnel worked to control the elephants and safely drive the remaining herd back into the forest. The bodies of the deceased elephants were recovered. Passengers were later deboarded from the train, as there was a risk of aggressive behavior from the elephants after the loss of their herd members.
Passengers recounted that they felt a strong impact followed by severe shaking, which caused fear and confusion onboard.
The Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express, which originated from Sairang railway station near Aizawl in Mizoram, was en route to Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi. Due to the accident, the train could not continue its journey, and passengers were transported to their destinations through alternative arrangements.
The incident once again highlights the ongoing challenge of human–wildlife conflict in railway corridors passing through forest areas in the Northeast.
