The New Delhi–Sairang Rajdhani Express derailed in Assam’s Nagaon district early Saturday after colliding with a herd of elephants, causing the locomotive and five coaches to go off track.
The accident occurred at approximately 2:17 AM in the Jamunamukh–Kampur section under Northeast Frontier Railway’s Lumding Division, about 126 km from Guwahati. No passengers were injured in the incident.
Emergency Brakes Applied
According to an NF Railway press release, the loco pilot spotted the elephants on the track and applied emergency brakes, but the animals still struck the train, causing the derailment.
“The spot is not a designated elephant corridor,” railway officials clarified.
Swift Response and Rescue
Senior railway officials, including the NF Railway General Manager and Lumding Divisional Railway Manager, rushed to the accident site. Accident relief trains and rescue teams were immediately deployed.
Passengers from affected coaches were temporarily accommodated in vacant berths in other coaches while restoration work began.
Train Resumes Journey
After detaching the derailed coaches, the train resumed movement and departed for Guwahati at 6:11 AM—approximately four hours after the collision. Railway authorities confirmed that additional coaches will be attached at Guwahati to accommodate all passengers before the train continues its onward journey.
Diversions and Helplines Active
Train services on the affected section are being diverted through the UP line while restoration work continues. Helpline numbers have been activated at Guwahati Railway Station to assist passengers and relatives seeking information.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges of wildlife movement across railway tracks in elephant habitats of the Northeast.
