Goods train train narrowly avoids mishap as wild
Elephant breaks railway crossing gate near Chakulia
Pioneer News Service
Jamshedpur
A potential railway mishap was averted in the early hours of Thursday after a wild elephant damaged a railway level crossing gate on the Up line in the Sunsunia forest near Chakulia, just minutes before a goods train passed through the section.
The incident occurred between 4:30 am and 5:00 am when a herd of wild elephants emerged from the direction of the nearby airstrip and approached the railway crossing. The gateman had already closed the crossing gate as a goods train was expected on the route.
According to railway officials, one elephant attempted to cross over the closed gate. While its front legs successfully crossed, the gate broke as the animal’s hind legs passed over it. Realizing the situation, the gateman immediately opened the opposite gate, enabling the elephant to cross safely without injury.
The remaining elephants in the herd then crossed the railway tracks beside the damaged gate before disappearing into the adjoining forest.
Despite the damaged crossing gate, disaster was avoided as a goods train passed through the section nearly five minutes later. Railway staff promptly secured the site and initiated repair work.
The damaged gate was restored and made operational around 11:30 am, after remaining out of service for nearly six and a half hours. During this period, the crossing remained closed while railway personnel carried out repairs and ensured the safety of train operations.
Railway sources said speed restrictions are already enforced on trains passing through the elephant corridor between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am because of frequent elephant movement in the area. However, incidents involving elephants damaging railway infrastructure, particularly crossing gates in the Sunsunia forest, continue to occur from time to time.
Forest officials estimate that more than two dozen wild elephants regularly move through the Sunsunia and adjoining Rajabasa forests, making the stretch one of the most active elephant corridors in the region.
The recurring incidents have once again highlighted the need for a long-term mitigation strategy. Railway and Forest Department authorities are expected to strengthen coordination to implement permanent measures that ensure the safety of both wildlife and railway operations in the sensitive corridor.
