GUWAHATI: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has stepped up efforts to prevent elephant-train collisions, combining technology-driven systems, greater vigilance and close coordination with the Forest Department.
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Between January and September 2026, timely interventions by NFR personnel helped save 255 elephants across its divisions, including 106 in Alipurduar, 14 in Rangiya, 122 in Lumding and 15 in Tinsukia.
NFR has deployed an AI-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) using Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) technology, which gives real-time alerts on elephant movement near tracks.
Other preventive measures include night-time and temporary speed restrictions based on elephant sightings, enhanced patrolling, sensitisation of train crews, cautionary signage, vegetation clearance and real-time coordination with the Forest Department. The "Plan Bee" system, which uses amplified honey bee sounds to deter elephants, has also been installed at vulnerable locations.
The railway is also constructing underpasses at identified locations to facilitate safer wildlife movement and keep elephants away from tracks. NFR is regularly sensitising train crews, railway staff, pantry car personnel and passengers to avoid discarding food waste on tracks, which can attract elephants and other animals.
All cases of train-elephant collisions are treated with utmost seriousness and investigated under prescribed safety procedures. NFR says it will continue strengthening technology-based monitoring, frontline vigilance and coordination with wildlife authorities, while ensuring safe and efficient train operations across the Northeast.
