New Delhi- Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, a total of 81 elephants lost their lives in train-related collisions across various states, according to data shared by the State Governments and Union Territories. In response to these tragic incidents, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, in coordination with the Ministry of Railways, has initiated a range of preventive steps aimed at reducing elephant fatalities on railway lines.
Among the key measures undertaken are the imposition of speed restrictions in elephant habitats, construction of underpasses and ramps, installation of fences, and pilot projects such as seismic sensor-based elephant detection systems. These steps are part of a broader strategy to reduce animal-train collisions in known wildlife movement corridors.
To further guide infrastructure planning, the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, in consultation with the Ministry and other stakeholders, has developed a guide titled *“Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts of Linear Infrastructure.”* This document is intended to assist agencies in designing railway lines and other infrastructure projects with reduced ecological impact and minimal human-animal conflict.
Additionally, capacity-building workshops were held in 2023 and 2024 at the Wildlife Institute of India to train and sensitize railway officials on elephant conservation practices and protective strategies.
A detailed study was also conducted, culminating in the report “Suggested Measures to Mitigate Elephant & Other Wildlife Train Collisions on Vulnerable Railway Stretches in India.” The report is based on field surveys across 127 railway sections totaling 3,452.4 kilometers. From this, 77 railway stretches—covering 1,965.2 kilometers across 14 states—were identified as priority areas for wildlife protection. These stretches will see targeted interventions based on local wildlife movement patterns and terrain.
The report has been shared with the respective state governments and the Ministry of Railways for coordinated implementation.
This information was provided by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written reply presented in the Lok Sabha today.
