Guwahati, December 20, 2025 – In a tragic incident early Saturday morning, the New Delhi-bound Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express (Train No. 20507) derailed after colliding with a herd of elephants in Assam’s Nagaon district. Seven elephants lost their lives in the collision, while railway officials confirmed no injuries or casualties among passengers or staff. “
The accident occurred around 2:17 a.m. in the Jamunamukh-Kampur section under the Lumding Division of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), approximately 126 km from Guwahati. The locomotive and five coaches derailed following the high-impact collision with the elephants crossing the tracks.
The loco pilot spotted the herd and applied emergency brakes, but the momentum prevented a complete stop in time. Railway authorities noted that the site is not designated as an official elephant corridor, which typically enforces speed restrictions.
Despite the severity, all passengers remained safe. Those in the affected coaches were shifted to vacant berths in other coaches. After detaching the derailed coaches, the train resumed its journey towards Guwahati at around 6:11 a.m. Additional coaches will be attached in Guwahati to accommodate everyone before proceeding to New Delhi.
Accident Relief Trains and senior officials, including the NFR General Manager and Lumding Divisional Railway Manager, rushed to the spot for rescue and restoration operations. Trains on the affected section are being diverted via the UP line, with normal services expected to resume after safety clearances.
Helpline numbers have been activated at Guwahati railway station for passenger assistance: 0361-2731621, 0361-2731622, and 0361-2731623.
This incident highlights ongoing human-wildlife conflicts along railway tracks in forested regions of Assam, raising concerns over elephant safety measures.
