Unfortunate Incident of Collision of Elephants Between Banstala and Sardiha Stations
Kolkata: It is acknowledged with deep regret about the unfortunate incident that occurred on the night of 18th July 2025 with Train no. 12022, when three elephants were fatally hit by the locomotive of the Dn Jan Shatabdi Express between Banstala and Sardiha stations. The Railways is deeply concerned about this tragic loss of wildlife and expresses its sincere sympathy.
We have noted with concern certain statements made by the Forest Department alleging that prior information about elephant movement in the area had been communicated to the Railways, but not acted upon.
The above version is not factually correct and misleading. No official communication was given in advance by Forest Authorities either in writing or telephonically to the concerned railway authorities about the movement of elephant herds. There is a general whatsapp group in which one message was posted at late night i.e. at 10.56 pm about the movement. But, it is not expected to read each and every message of a general whatsapp group by all the members of the group in real time basis and that also near midnight.
Since matter was of such a grave nature, the concerned forest officials should have ensured confirmed communication with railway in writing or telephonically instead of merely posting a message in a general whatsapp group without any follow up action.
In past, written memos were served by the forest authorities, for example: last such memo was received by the Station Manager, Sardiha on 06.07.2025 from Forest Range Officer, Manikpara range, Jhargram and accordingly speed restrictions were imposed as required. (Copy enclosed). Similar actions were taken on all similar previous incidences dated 08.05.2025, 01.04.2025, 14.02.2025, 27.01.2025, 24.01.2025.
Further, Railway authorities already requested forest officials to join for a joint inspection/Joint Report on 18.07.2025 and now the same will be conducted on 19.07.2025. Further investigation in the matter is in progress.
Due to laxity in proper communication on the part of forest officials, this unfortunate incident took place resulting in loss of precious wild lives and further created disturbance to train operations for more than 5 Hrs on Howrah Mumbai main line.
We remain committed to ensuring the safety of wildlife and work in close coordination with the Forest Department to strengthen mitigation measures further. Steps are being initiated to review and enhance protective measures in light of this incident.
We reiterate our regret over the loss of wildlife and reaffirm our resolve to protect biodiversity through sustained and coordinated efforts.
Coordination Meeting Held Between Railway and Forest Officials Regarding Elephant-Train Collision
A high-level coordination meeting between Railway and Forest Department officials was held today at the office of the Chief Conservator of Forests (#CCF), Hijli, in the wake of the unfortunate elephant-train collision involving Train No. 12022 that occurred yesterday.
The meeting was chaired by Sandeep Sundriyal, Chief Conservator of Forests, and K.R. Chaudhary, Divisional Railway Manager (#DRM), Kharagpur Division. The Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Operations), along with officers from various railway departments, attended the meeting. Senior officials from the Forest Department, including the Chief Wildlife Warden and Divisional Forest Officers (#DFOs), were also present.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to discuss immediate and long-term measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safe passage of wildlife through vulnerable forest stretches intersected by railway tracks. Detailed discussions were held regarding improved coordination, the use of technology such as early warning systems, and the identification of critical elephant corridors.
Both departments reaffirmed their commitment to wildlife conservation and passenger safety, and agreed on the need for collaborative, time-bound action plans to mitigate the risk of future wildlife-train conflicts.