Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) saved 255 elephants from train collisions in 2026 through AI-based monitoring, enhanced patrolling, speed restrictions, Plan Bee technology, underpasses and coordination with Forest Departments across Assam and West Bengal.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has saved 255 elephants from potential train collisions during the first nine months of 2026 through a combination of technology-driven monitoring, enhanced vigilance and close coordination with Forest Departments, railway officials said on Sunday.
NFR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said the railway has intensified its efforts to protect elephants and other wildlife in vulnerable areas along railway tracks. The measures are aimed at detecting elephant movement in real time and enabling railway personnel and train crews to take timely preventive action.
According to Sharma, between January and September 2026, timely interventions by NFR personnel helped save 255 elephants across different railway divisions. The highest number of such interventions was recorded in the Lumding Division, where 122 elephants were saved. Alipurduar Division in West Bengal accounted for 106 elephants, while 15 were saved in Tinsukia Division and 14 in Rangiya Division in Assam.
The railway has introduced several technology-based systems to strengthen wildlife protection in areas identified as vulnerable to elephant movement. One of the key initiatives is the deployment of an AI-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) using Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) technology. The system is designed to provide real-time alerts when elephant movement is detected near railway tracks, allowing railway officials to respond quickly and alert approaching trains.
In addition to technology-based surveillance, NFR has implemented a range of operational measures to reduce the possibility of elephant-train collisions. These include temporary and night-time speed restrictions whenever elephant movement is reported, increased patrolling in vulnerable stretches, cautionary signage and regular sensitisation of train crews.
Railway personnel also work closely with Forest Department officials to exchange information about elephant movement. Real-time coordination between the two agencies allows appropriate action to be taken whenever elephants are detected close to railway tracks.
Another important initiative is the use of the ‘Plan Bee’ system at vulnerable locations. The system uses amplified honeybee sounds to deter elephants from approaching railway tracks. The measure is part of NFR’s broader efforts to use innovative methods to guide elephants away from railway infrastructure without causing harm to the animals.
NFR has also undertaken the construction of underpasses at identified locations to provide safer routes for wildlife movement. Such infrastructure is intended to facilitate the movement of elephants and other animals across railway corridors while reducing their need to cross active railway tracks.
The railway has further focused on preventing human activities from inadvertently attracting elephants towards railway lines. Sharma said regular sensitisation programmes are being conducted for train crews, railway staff, pantry car personnel and passengers. They are being advised against throwing food waste near railway tracks, as discarded food can attract elephants and other wild animals to railway corridors.
The railway also maintains enhanced vigilance in known elephant movement zones. Patrolling teams, train crews and railway staff remain alert to reports and signs of elephant movement so that necessary precautions can be taken without delay.
Sharma said all cases involving train-elephant dashing are treated with utmost seriousness and investigated according to prescribed safety procedures. The railway continues to assess vulnerable locations and strengthen preventive mechanisms based on field observations and coordination with wildlife authorities.
The NFR’s approach combines artificial intelligence, acoustic monitoring, operational restrictions, field-level vigilance, infrastructure development and inter-agency coordination to reduce the risks faced by elephants along railway tracks.
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Headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, the Northeast Frontier Railway operates across the northeastern states, as well as seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar. With several railway routes passing through forested and elephant habitats, wildlife protection remains an important component of safe railway operations in the region.
NFR officials said the railway will continue strengthening technology-based monitoring, frontline vigilance and coordination with Forest Departments to protect elephants while maintaining safe and efficient train services across the Northeast.
