HT Digital,
Guwahati, Nov 20: The Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express derailed in Assam early Saturday after colliding with a herd of wild elephants, disrupting rail connectivity across parts of the Northeast. No passenger injuries were reported, railway officials said.
The incident took place at around 2.17 AM in the Jamunamukh–Kampur section under the Lumding Division of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). According to officials, the locomotive and five coaches of Train No. 20507 (DN) derailed following the collision.
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Local residents claimed that a herd of around seven elephants was involved and alleged that some animals may have been killed. However, the railway authorities have not confirmed any elephant casualties. The accident site is located about 126 km from Guwahati.
Soon after the derailment, accident relief trains were dispatched, and senior officials from the Lumding divisional headquarters rushed to the spot. The General Manager of NFR and the Divisional Railway Manager, Lumding, also visited the site to supervise rescue and restoration work.
Passengers from the affected coaches were shifted to vacant berths in other coaches of the same train. After detaching the damaged coaches, the Rajdhani Express departed for Guwahati at 6.11 am. Railway officials said additional coaches would be attached at Guwahati before the train resumes its onward journey to New Delhi.
Railway sources said train services to Upper Assam and other parts of the Northeast were severely affected, with debris and animal carcasses obstructing the tracks. As a precaution, trains are being diverted via the UP line while restoration work continues.
The NFR said the accident did not occur in a designated elephant corridor. Preliminary information suggests the loco pilot applied emergency brakes after spotting the herd, but the elephants reportedly moved towards the train, resulting in the collision.
Helpline numbers have been activated at Guwahati Railway Station to assist passengers. Restoration work is underway, and the NFR said efforts are being made to normalise rail traffic at the earliest.
