Rajdhani Express hit elephant herd in Assam's Hojai; 7 elephants killed, 5 coaches derailed; all 650 passengers safe.
Key facts
Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck a herd of Asiatic elephants in Assam's Hojai district on December 20, killing seven elephants
Five coaches and the engine were derailed; all 650 passengers and crew were safe
Heavy fog in the Changjurai area is suspected to be the cause of the collision
India has seen a rise in elephant-train collisions, highlighting the need for wildlife corridors and early-warning systems along railway tracks
The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck a herd of Asiatic elephants in Assam's Hojai district at 2:17 AM on December 20, killing seven elephants and injuring one calf. Five coaches and the engine were derailed. All 650 passengers and crew were safe.
Heavy fog in the Changjurai area is suspected to be the cause. Around 200 passengers from derailed coaches were moved to Guwahati by alternate train. The remaining coaches were delinked and the train resumed its journey. India has seen a rise in elephant-train collisions, highlighting the need for wildlife corridors and early-warning systems along railway tracks in elephant habitats.
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Mains angle
Q: Analyse the causes of rising elephant-train collisions in India and suggest technological and ecological mitigation measures, with reference to the Assam Rajdhani Express accident in Hojai district.
Answer (50 words):
The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck an elephant herd in Assam's Hojai district at 2:17 AM on December 20, killing seven Asiatic elephants and derailing five coaches and the engine, though all 650 passengers survived. Heavy fog near Changjurai, absent wildlife corridors and missing early-warning systems demand urgent reforms.
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Linked questionEasy
The Rajdhani Express struck a herd of Asiatic elephants in which state on December 20, 2025?
Explanation · Correct answer B
The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck a herd of Asiatic elephants in Assam's Hojai district, killing seven elephants and derailing five coaches. Heavy fog in the Changjurai area is suspected to be the cause.
Where and when did the Rajdhani Express strike the elephant herd?
The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck a herd of Asiatic elephants in Assam's Hojai district at 2:17 AM on December 20.
How many elephants were killed and what happened to the train?
Seven elephants were killed and one calf was injured. Five coaches and the engine were derailed, while all 650 passengers and crew were safe.
What cause was suspected in the Changjurai area, and how were passengers handled?
Heavy fog in the Changjurai area is suspected to be the cause. Around 200 passengers from derailed coaches were moved to Guwahati by alternate train, and the remaining coaches were delinked before the train resumed its journey.
What broader railway-wildlife issue did the Assam collision highlight?
India has seen a rise in elephant-train collisions, highlighting the need for wildlife corridors and early-warning systems along railway tracks in elephant habitats.
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