Assam Railway Tragedy: 8 Elephants Killed by Rajdhani Express

Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express Derails in Hojai; 8 Jumbos Dead in Mid-Night Collision

Also Read | Rajasthan Board Exam 2026 schedule released; 10th-12th exams to begin February 12

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• Midnight Mayhem: The 2:17 AM Crash That Shook the Northeast Frontier Railway

• The Toll: Eight Elephants Dead, One Injured Calf Rescued by Forest Officials

• Passenger Safety: No Human Casualties Despite Locomotive and Five-Coach Derailment

• Restoration and Diversions: How the Jamunamukh-Kampur Section is Being Cleared

• Beyond Designated Corridors: Why the Emergency Brakes Couldn’t Save the Herd

A devastating collision in Assam’s Hojai district has left the state mourning. The thing is, eight elephants were killed early Saturday morning when they were struck by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express.

Actually, the accident happened around 2:17 AM at the Changjurai area. Specifically, the train was heading toward Delhi when a herd suddenly crossed the tracks.

Also Read | Rajasthan Board Exam 2026 schedule released; 10th-12th exams to begin February 12

As a result, the impact was so severe that the locomotive and five coaches were thrown off the rails. Consequently, the tracks were littered with debris and remains, bringing all movement on this vital line to a dead stop (let’s be real, the photos coming from the ground are absolutely heartbreaking).

And here’s the kicker. This happened in an area that isn’t even a designated elephant corridor.

Basically, the loco pilot did exactly what he was supposed to do—he saw the herd and slammed on the emergency brakes. Instead of stopping in time, the momentum of the Rajdhani was too much. In fact, the elephants “dashed into” the train, leading to the derailment. And then Y followed. While the jumbos perished, remarkably, not a single passenger was injured, though they were obviously shaken by the sudden impact.

[Table: Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express Accident Details]

Also Read | Rajasthan Board Exam 2026 schedule released; 10th-12th exams to begin February 12

Moreover, the railway has activated emergency response protocols. Specifically, helpline numbers (0361-2731621 / 2731622) are now live at Guwahati station.

Actually, the remaining passengers have been moved to vacant berths in the non-derailed coaches. As a result, once they reach Guwahati, the NFR plans to attach extra coaches so the journey to Delhi can continue. Consequently, most Upper Assam-bound trains are being diverted through the “UP line” to keep some traffic moving (those too).

The thing is, winter months are always the most dangerous for elephants in Assam. In fact, the dense fog and the herd’s search for food often lead them toward the tracks.

Basically, despite the NFR’s “Elephant Intrusion Detection Systems” in other areas, this section was left vulnerable because it wasn’t considered a high-risk zone.

Instead of a tidy wrap-up, forest officials and the NFR General Manager are still on-site investigating if there was any delay in signal communication.

And then Y followed. We can expect a major policy review on “non-corridor” safety measures after such a massive loss of life…

Also Read | Rajasthan Board Exam 2026 schedule released; 10th-12th exams to begin February 12

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