HARIDWAR: A tragic incident unfolded early Monday morning near Raiwala when a baby elephant was killed after being struck by a speeding train along the Haridwar–Dehradun railway route. The accident occurred within a known elephant movement corridor close to Rajaji Tiger Reserve, once again raising serious concerns about wildlife safety on this track.
According to officials, the Howrah–Dehradun Express (Train No. 13009) was travelling towards Dehradun around 6:31 AM when it collided with a herd of elephants crossing the track. While the rest of the herd managed to escape, one juvenile elephant, estimated to be between six and eight years old, was fatally hit and died on the spot.
The train was immediately halted at Raiwala Junction following the impact. The loco-pilot and assistant loco-pilot were taken into custody under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, pending further investigation.
Meanwhile, wildlife officials noted that this is not an isolated event. The Haridwar–Dehradun rail corridor cuts directly through Raja ji Tiger Reserve, intersecting traditional elephant routes. Over the last 38 years, at least 33 elephants have died on this stretch due to train collisions, making it one of India’s most dangerous rail tracks for wildlife.
Despite repeated warnings from conservationists, multiple advisory letters, and earlier incidents, the long-demanded structural safety measures, such as dedicated wildlife underpasses, overpasses, strict night speed limits and real-time forest-rail coordination, have yet to be fully implemented.
Outrage and Renewed Demands for Action
The death of the young elephant sparked immediate outrage among forest officials, conservationists, local residents and wildlife NGOs. Many expressed frustration that another fatality occurred despite the corridor’s well-documented risk.
A forest official remarked, “Every such tragedy is deeply painful. But what’s more distressing is that it happened again in an area we have repeatedly flagged as high-risk. This should not be happening in 2025.”
Residents living near the reserve said they have witnessed herds struggling to cross tracks during train rush hours. They have demanded:
Strict enforcement of reduced train speeds
Early-warning animal detection systems
Clear signage and fencing along vulnerable points
Wildlife underpasses and overpasses
Better coordination between forest and rail authorities
Some NGOs have signalled that they may approach national environmental tribunals if corrective steps are delayed further.
Balancing Connectivity and Conservation
Experts say the larger issue lies in balancing infrastructure expansion with ecological safety. The Haridwar–Dehradun route is vital for commuters and freight, yet passes through one of northern India’s most crucial elephant habitats. Without adequate safeguards, the conflict between development and conservation becomes deadly.
Elephants, being wide-ranging animals, depend on free movement across forests for feeding, breeding and maintaining herd structures. Disruptions to these pathways can cause stress, aggression, loss of genetic diversity, and forced entry into human settlements.
A wildlife biologist explained, “Elephants are ecosystem engineers. Losing even one juvenile affects the entire herd’s future. These accidents are not just numbers; they are setbacks to decades of conservation work.”
Meanwhile, forest and railway authorities have promised an urgent high-level inquiry. Teams from both departments conducted on-site inspections after the collision. Preliminary reports suggest the need for immediate reinforcement of speed restriction zones and automated monitoring systems.
Officials said they aim to hold a joint meeting soon to explore long-term mitigation strategies, including infrastructure redesign and advanced wildlife-tracking sensors.
The deceased elephant’s body was removed for a post-mortem examination, and forest staff remained at the site to ensure the rest of the herd moved safely away from the track.
A Wake-Up Call for Uttarakhand
Rajaji Tiger Reserve is home to more than 300 Asian elephants, making the region vital for species survival. Wildlife advocates say this tragic death must be treated as a turning point, pushing authorities to prioritise wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
As conservation groups continue to call for accountability, the hope is that this latest loss will finally push policymakers to take decisive, lasting action, ensuring that no more elephants lose their lives on the state’s railway lines.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
