# When elephants have right of way on Indian rails

> A Rajdhani Express stopped in Assam to let a herd of elephants cross safely, showing how railways balance speed with wildlife protection.
- Title: When elephants have right of way on Indian rails | Shortify
- Summary: A Rajdhani Express stopped in Assam to let a herd of elephants cross safely, showing how railways balance speed with wildlife protection. Indian Railways…
- Keywords: rajdhani express, assam, elephants, wildlife crossing, hojai district, hawaipur, indian railways, elephant corridors, train safety, forest coordination, lumding reserve forest, right
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/rrajdhani-express-forced-to-stop-in-assam-but-not-because-of-tech-issue-train-waits-as-herd-of-elephants-including-young-calves-crosses-railway-tracks/articleshow/134390266.cms
- Author: Trending Desk
- Published: 2026-09-21T13:09:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rajdhani express, assam, elephants, wildlife crossing, hojai district, hawaipur, indian railways, elephant corridors, train safety, forest coordination, lumding reserve forest
## Rajdhani stopped for elephants
In August, the Down Rajdhani Express halted near Hawaipur in Assam's Hojai district to let a herd of elephants, including young calves, safely cross the railway tracks.
## How the stop happened
Forest officials spotted the elephants approaching the tracks at kilometre 167/8 under Lanka Range. Railway and forest personnel coordinated to halt the train and let the animals cross without contact.
## A vulnerable wildlife corridor
The Hawaipur-Lumding section sits in a landscape where elephants frequently travel between forest habitats. The Ministry of Environment identified this railway stretch as vulnerable due to regular wildlife movement.
## Lumding Reserve Forest connection
The Lumding Reserve Forest forms part of the Dhansiri-Lumding Elephant Reserve and connects to forest areas around Karbi Anglong and Nagaon, making it a critical migration route.
## Railway safety measures for elephants
Indian Railways incorporates elephant corridors into timetables, introduces speed restrictions on vulnerable stretches, and alerts staff when elephant movement is reported near tracks.
## Coordination saves lives
Forest officials and railway control rooms work together to respond quickly when elephants are spotted. This coordination prevents dangerous encounters between trains and wildlife.
## Hojai's historical sites
Beyond wildlife, Hojai district offers archaeological attractions including the Rajbari site with eleventh-century Shiva temples and the R.M. Nath Archaeological Park near the railway station.
## Key takeaway

Indian Railways coordinates with forest officials to halt trains when elephants cross tracks in vulnerable wildlife corridors, prioritizing animal safety over schedule.