A national workshop on elephant-train collisions took place at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun. Notably, it ran on 10-11 March 2026. The Project Elephant Division of the Union Environment Ministry organised it with WII and the Railways. Then, the meeting reviewed 77 priority railway stretches and 705 planned mitigation structures. Hence, it marks a push for a national roadmap to save elephants on tracks.
What the Dehradun Workshop Discussed
The workshop focused on “Policy Implementation for Minimizing Elephant Mortalities on Railway Tracks”. Moreover, about 40 railway officials, forest officers and scientists attended. Finally, participants called for better early-warning systems, dedicated crossings, signage and data sharing.
110 Sensitive Stretches and 77 Priorities
Earlier, a joint survey by MoEFCC, the railways and forest departments identified 110 sensitive stretches. It also added 17 stretches in two tiger-range states. In all, teams assessed 127 stretches covering 3,452.4 km. Then, they prioritised 77 stretches spanning 1,965.2 km across 14 states. Accordingly, they recommended 705 mitigation structures.
Underpasses, Ramps and Overpasses
The package includes 503 ramps and level crossings and 72 bridge extensions. It also lists 65 new underpasses and 22 overpasses. In addition, it proposes 39 fencing or trenching works and four exit ramps. Meanwhile, the railways will elevate a 3.5 km section of the Azara-Kamakhya line in Assam.
Technology on the Tracks
Currently, a Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) intrusion detection pilot covers 141 km of block sections in Assam. Next, the railways plan to extend it to North Bengal and parts of Odisha. Similarly, an AI-based system at Madukkarai in Tamil Nadu uses 12 tower-mounted cameras. As a result, it detects elephants within 100 metres of tracks and alerts officials.
About Asian Elephants and Project Elephant
India holds more than 60% of the global Asian elephant population. Also, the IUCN lists the Asian elephant as Endangered. Further, the species enjoys Schedule I protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. In 1992, the Centre launched Project Elephant to protect elephants and their corridors.
Elephant-Train Collisions: Key Facts for Revision
- Workshop: 10-11 March 2026, WII Dehradun
- Organiser: Project Elephant Division, MoEFCC, with WII and Railways
- Stretches assessed: 127 (3,452.4 km)
- Priority stretches: 77 (1,965.2 km) in 14 states
- Mitigation structures: 705, including 65 underpasses and 22 overpasses
Why Elephant-Train Collisions Matter for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, the workshop listed Uttarakhand among states with rising elephant deaths on tracks. So, remember the 77 stretches, the 705 structures and the DAS technology. Also, link this issue with elephant corridors and linear infrastructure planning. For official updates, also visit MoEFCC. Next, for a related story, read about Wildlife Week 2026 in Uttarakhand.
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