Khurda: In a bid to ensure the smooth passage of elephants and prevent accidents on railway tracks, a crucial coordination meeting was held between Khurda Road Railway authorities and Forest officials at the Divisional Railway Manager’s office. The discussion aimed at strengthening cooperation to monitor elephant movement in real-time, reduce train detentions due to caution orders, and implement preventive measures to protect wildlife.
The meeting was chaired by H.S. Bajwa, Divisional Railway Manager, Khurda Road, and was attended by key officials from the Railway and Forest departments. Senior railway officers, including P.K. Behera, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Operations), along with representatives from various railway divisions such as Operating, Commercial, Engineering, Signal & Telecom, Electrical (Operations), and Security, participated in the deliberations. The Forest Department was represented by Sudhanshu Sekhar Khora, IFS, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of Satkosia Tiger Reserve, along with Divisional Forest Officers from Cuttack, Athagarh, Dhenkanal, Khurda, and Angul.
During the discussions, Bajwa emphasized the need for close coordination between railway and forest officials to facilitate real-time monitoring of elephant movements. Several key action points were formulated to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks, including the deployment of forest staff at key railway stations to ensure prompt communication about elephant activity in affected sections.
To further mitigate risks, underpasses and overpasses will be constructed at selected locations identified by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, such as Byree–Kapilas Road and Dhenkanal–Hindol–Sadashivpur. Additionally, vulnerable railway sections will be identified, and vegetation near the tracks will be cleared to improve visibility. Signage boards will be installed as pre-warnings for loco pilots, and a dedicated communication channel using walkie-talkies will be established between station masters and forest officials to provide timely “Look Out Advice” to train crews.
Railway authorities have also planned regular sensitization programs for loco pilots and guards on wildlife conservation and protection. Further, IRCTC and pantry car staff will be instructed not to dispose of edible waste along railway tracks, as this attracts wild animals and increases the risk of accidents.
The joint initiative marks a significant step toward balancing railway operations with wildlife conservation, ensuring that measures are in place to prevent train-elephant collisions while maintaining the efficiency of train services in the region.
