Wild Elephant Killed by Train on Lanka-Hawaipur Route in Assam

A wild elephant tragically lost its life after being hit by a train on the Lanka-Hawaipur railway route in Assam early Monday morning. Forest department personnel promptly arrived at the scene to investigate the incident, which highlights the ongoing conflict between wildlife and expanding human infrastructure.

The elephant, likely in search of food, had wandered onto the tracks when it was struck by a train traveling from Guwahati. The collision proved fatal, drawing renewed attention to the challenges posed by habitat loss and the encroachment of railway lines through wildlife corridors.

This incident is part of a troubling pattern in Assam, which has become a hotspot for elephant fatalities caused by train accidents. Between 2010 and 2022, at least 158 elephants were killed in train collisions across India, with a significant number occurring in Assam. The Deepor Beel area near Guwahati, a vital elephant habitat, recorded 14 such deaths up to 2013, prompting authorities to impose speed restrictions and enhance patrolling. Despite these measures, sporadic tragedies, such as the death of three elephants near Lumding in October 2021 and five elephants in Mariani in May 2022, continue to occur.

These accidents frequently happen at night when elephants are most active and visibility is low. Conservationists stress the need for robust mitigation strategies, including early warning systems, restoration of habitats, and closer monitoring of railway tracks, to reduce such incidents. Local initiatives, such as the “Hati Bondhu” (Elephant Friends) program in Deepor Beel, have shown promise, but broader implementation across high-risk regions is essential to protect these iconic creatures.