A male elephant was killed after the Bagh Express hit a herd crossing the railway track between Haldi Road and Chhatarpur railway stations near Rudrapur on Tuesday night at about 11:00. The collision also damaged the train’s overhead electrification line and left more than 1,000 passengers delayed.
The incident occurred on the Lalkuan–Rudrapur rail section at railway kilometre 55/5. According to DFO Umesh Chandra Tiwari, the train was travelling above the railway’s prescribed speed limit. The locomotive pilot tried to control the train after the elephant suddenly came onto the track, but the impact could not be avoided.
The elephant died at the spot after being thrown towards the side of the track. The train reportedly escaped derailment, although the engine sustained damage and the overhead electrical equipment was affected. The locomotive pilot informed officials at Rudrapur railway station after the collision.
The train remained at the site for about 2 hours while railway staff worked on the technical problem. After repairs, it left with a delay of about 1.5 hours, according to the report. The account identifies the service as the Bagh Express, but lists different service numbers in separate sections: 13019 and 13020. It also describes the service as travelling to Howrah.
Forest and railway response
Railway and forest officials reached the area after receiving information about the collision. Forest Range Officer Lakshman Singh Bisht informed senior officials, and the forest department planned a -mortem examination of the elephant in the presence of veterinary doctors on Wednesday.
The death has renewed questions about wildlife protection along the rail section, particularly where elephant herds cross the track. The available report does not state whether any further operating restrictions or safety measures were ordered after the incident.
Another elephant seriously injured
A separate incident was reported in the Pipalpadaw Range of the Tarai Central Forest Division. 2 male elephants were involved in a violent fight when one adult elephant fell into a deep safety trench and suffered serious injuries.
DFO Umesh Chandra Tiwari said the trench had been dug to stop elephants from entering nearby villages. Forest staff levelled part of the trench edge and helped bring the animal out. The elephant was unable to stand because of its injuries, and veterinary teams were treating it.
The 2 incidents involved separate locations and circumstances. one resulted from a train collision near the rail stations, while the other occurred during a fight between elephants inside the forest range.
Conclusion
A male elephant died after the Bagh Express struck a herd near Haldi Road and Chhatarpur, delaying more than 1,000 passengers, while a second elephant remained under veterinary treatment after falling into a trench in the Pipalpadaw Range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where did the train collision occur?
The collision occurred between Haldi Road and Chhatarpur railway stations on the Lalkuan–Rudrapur rail section.
Q. When did the collision happen?
It happened on Tuesday night at about 11:00.
Q. What happened to the elephant hit by the train?
The male elephant died at the site of the collision.
Q. How did the train service get affected?
The collision damaged the overhead electrification line and caused the train to remain at the site for about 2 hours. It later departed after repairs, with a delay of about 1.5 hours.
Q. How many passengers were on the train?
More than 1,000 passengers were travelling on the train.
Q. What happened in the Pipalpadaw Range?
An adult male elephant fell into a deep safety trench during a fight with another male elephant and suffered serious injuries.
Q. Who is treating the injured elephant?
A veterinary team is treating the injured elephant after forest staff brought it out of the trench.
