In the early hours of December 20, 2025, the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express collided with a herd of elephants in Hojai district, Assam. Seven elephants were killed and one injured in the accident. The train’s engine and five coaches derailed, but fortunately, no passengers or railway staff were hurt.
The collision occurred around 2:17 a.m. on the Jamunamukh–Kampur railway section of the Northeast Frontier Railway. The loco pilot applied emergency brakes after spotting the herd, but heavy fog and poor visibility made it impossible to stop the train in time. Officials noted that this section is not a designated elephant corridor, though elephants frequently cross here.
Railway and forest officials rushed to the site after the accident. Veterinarians treated the injured elephant, while the bodies of the dead elephants are being cremated near the scene as per forest department procedures. Nagaon divisional forest officer Suhash Kadam supervised the rescue and recovery work.
Rail services on the affected stretch were disrupted. Trains scheduled on this route were temporarily diverted while the damaged coaches were cleared and the track restored. Passengers from the derailed coaches were safely moved to other parts of the train, which resumed its journey to Guwahati later in the morning.
This incident has raised concerns about railway lines passing through areas where wildlife is common. Authorities are discussing safety measures such as warning systems, speed restrictions, and fencing to prevent future collisions.
The tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing development with wildlife protection in regions where human infrastructure intersects with animal habitats. Forest and railway authorities continue to assess the situation and explore long-term solutions to prevent similar accidents, while emphasizing the importance of coexisting with the region’s rich biodiversity.
