Rajdhani Express derailed after hitting elephant herd in Assam, seven killed

An early-morning mishap involving wildlife led to the derailment of a Rajdhani express train in Assam on Saturday, though no injuries were reported.

At around 2:17 am on December 20, Train No. 20507, the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express, struck a herd of elephants in the Jamunamukh–Kampur stretch of the Lumding Division under the Northeast Frontier Railway. The impact caused the locomotive and five coaches to derail. The site of the incident is located approximately 126 kilometres from Guwahati.

The accident killed seven of the elephant herd and left one injured. The accident led to the suspension of rail traffic on the affected stretch, causing widespread disruption to train movement in the region. 

Several down-line trains were left stranded at different stations. The Ledo–Guwahati Intercity Express was halted at Jogijan station, while the Bangalore Superfast Express was stopped at Hojai. The Kanyakumari Vivek Superfast Express remained held up at Lumding Junction, and the Kamrup Express was stranded at Dimapur.

Up-line services were also affected, with the Kanchanjungha Express halted at Chaparmukh and the Donyi Polo Express stranded at Guwahati.

Railway officials confirmed that all passengers are safe and none sustained injuries. Accident Relief Trains, along with senior officials from the divisional headquarters, were immediately dispatched to the location to manage the situation and begin restoration work.

Helplines have been set up at Guwahati Railway Station to assist passengers and their families. The contact numbers are 0361-2731621, 0361-2731622 and 0361-2731623.

Top railway authorities, including the General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway and the Divisional Railway Manager of Lumding, rushed to the spot to oversee rescue and recovery operations. Passengers from the affected coaches were temporarily shifted to vacant berths in other coaches of the train.

After the damaged coaches were detached, the train departed the site at around 6:11 am and proceeded towards Guwahati. Railway sources said that additional coaches will be attached once the train reaches Guwahati, after which it will continue its onward journey to New Delhi.

Officials clarified that the accident occurred in an area not officially marked as an elephant corridor. The locomotive pilot reportedly applied emergency brakes after spotting the elephants, but a collision could not be avoided.

In the meantime, train services on the affected stretch are being regulated, with scheduled trains diverted through the up line. Track restoration and clearance operations are currently underway.

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