Assam: Seven elephants killed, one calf critically injured after Rajdhani Express collides with herd

At least seven wild elephants were killed and one calf critically injured after the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express collided with a herd of elephants in Assam’s Nagaon district early Saturday, December 20 morning, triggering the derailment of the high-speed train and disrupting rail services across parts of the Northeast.

The tragic incident occurred in the Jamunamukh–Kampur section under the Lumding Division of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Railway officials confirmed that the locomotive and five coaches derailed following the collision. No passengers were injured, authorities said.

Local residents reported that the herd consisted of around eight elephants, most of which were struck by the train. The accident site is located approximately 126 kilometres from Guwahati.

Soon after the derailment, accident relief trains, senior railway officials, and emergency response teams rushed to the spot to carry out rescue, recovery, and track restoration operations. Forest Department officials also reached the site to assess the loss of wildlife and assist the injured calf.

Railway sources stated that train services to Upper Assam and several northeastern destinations were severely affected, as elephant carcasses, damaged coaches, and debris remained on the tracks for several hours.

Passengers from the affected coaches were temporarily accommodated in vacant berths in other coaches of the train. Railway officials said that once the train reaches Guwahati, additional coaches will be attached to accommodate all passengers before the Rajdhani Express resumes its onward journey.

According to railway authorities, the accident occurred at a location not officially designated as an elephant corridor. Preliminary information suggests that the loco pilot applied emergency brakes after spotting the herd on the tracks, but the elephants reportedly moved towards the train, making a collision unavoidable and leading to the derailment.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over human–wildlife conflict, train speeds in forested stretches, and the need for enhanced animal detection and warning systems along vulnerable railway lines in Assam.