Rajdhani Express accident exposes recurring human–wildlife conflict in Northeast India.
A tragic accident occurred in the early hours of December 20, 2025, when the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express crashed into a herd of wild elephants in Assam’s Hojai district, killing 8 elephants and causing the engine and 5 coaches of the train to derail.
Where and When the Accident Happened
The collision took place at around 2:17 am near the Changjurai area on the Jamunamukh–Kampur railway section, about 126 km from Guwahati. This railway stretch falls within a known elephant movement zone, where herds frequently cross the tracks.
Severe Loss of Wildlife
The speeding train hit the herd while the elephants were crossing the railway line. 8 elephants died on the spot, while 1 elephant, believed to be a calf, sustained injuries. Forest department officials quickly reached the site and rescued the injured elephant, while veterinary teams provided medical care.
Train Derailment but No Human Casualties
The impact forced the locomotive and 5 passenger coaches off the tracks. Despite the derailment, no passengers or railway staff were injured, as confirmed by officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Authorities safely evacuated passengers from the affected coaches and accommodated them in other compartments.
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Rail Services Disrupted
The accident disrupted rail traffic on the Jamunamukh–Kampur section. Railway authorities halted and diverted several trains through alternative routes, including the UP line, while teams carried out track clearance and restoration work to resume normal services.
About the Rajdhani Express Route
The Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express is a premium long-distance train connecting Sairang near Aizawl in Mizoram to Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi, passing through multiple states across the Northeast and eastern India.
Growing Concern Over Train–Elephant Collisions
The incident has once again highlighted the frequent train–elephant collisions in Northeast India, where railway tracks intersect traditional elephant corridors.
Conservationists and officials continue to demand better coordination between railway and forest departments, reduced train speeds in sensitive zones, early warning systems, and stronger safety measures to prevent such tragedies.
Authorities Review Safety Measures
Railway and forest officials are reviewing safety protocols in wildlife-prone areas. The tragedy has renewed calls for long-term solutions to protect wildlife while ensuring safe railway operations.
FAQs
- Which train was involved in the Assam elephant accident?
The accident involved the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express. - How many elephants died in the collision?
A total of 8 elephants were killed, while 1 elephant was injured and rescued. - Did any passengers get injured in the accident?
No, 0 passengers or railway staff were injured in the derailment. - Where exactly did the accident take place?
The incident occurred near Changjurai on the Jamunamukh–Kampur railway section in Hojai district, Assam, around 126 km from Guwahati. - Why do such accidents happen frequently in Northeast India?
Many railway lines in the region pass through elephant corridors, increasing the risk of collisions due to limited visibility, high train speeds, and inadequate warning systems.
