Himanta Sarma shares video of forest staff stopping train for elephant herd in Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a video of forest personnel stopping an approaching train to let an elephant herd cross the tracks safely. The video drew praise for the intervention and renewed calls for permanent wildlife crossings.Himanta Sarma shares video of forest staff stopping train for elephant herd in Assam (Photos: @himantabiswa/X)Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a video showing forest personnel stopping an approaching train to allow a large herd of elephants to safely cross a railway track in Hojai, in a bid to prevent a potentially dangerous collision.The video was shared on his official X account, showing forest staff monitoring an elephant herd near railway tracks in Hojai.In the clip, a forest official was seen standing beside the tracks as a train approached from a distance. He raised his arm to signal the approaching train, whose bright headlights could be seen growing closer.Just beside the railway line, a large herd of elephants had emerged from the dense green vegetation. Adult elephants and younger ones were seen moving together through the bushes before making their way across the tracks. The forest personnel continued watching the herd as the elephants crossed the railway line one after another. They moved along the tracks while keeping an eye on both the animals and the approaching train, ensuring that the herd had enough time to pass safely.The scene was part of a precautionary measure regularly used in Assam, where railway tracks pass through traditional elephant movement routes. Forest officials monitor these stretches and alert railway authorities or approaching trains when elephant herds are spotted, helping prevent potentially fatal collisions. Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the video to emphasise these efforts, describing them as “Corridors of Safety” for Assam's elephants. He said forest personnel remained on guard along most elephant corridors that intersect with railway lines and pointed to the incident in Hojai as another example of the practice.Watch the video here:Creating Corridors of Safety!In most of Assam's Elephant corridors along railway lines, @assamforest personnel are always on guard to allow safe passage to gentle giantsThis morning in Hojai was no different where a high-speed train was alerted, saving precious lives pic.twitter.com/n1APOA1EPq— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 19, 2026The video prompted viewers to appreciate the forest staff for protecting the elephants, but several also questioned whether stopping trains should remain the primary solution.Some argued that more permanent infrastructure was needed in areas where railway tracks cut through elephant habitats. Suggestions included constructing wildlife underpasses, dedicated crossings and elevated railway sections that would allow elephants to move without coming into contact with trains.One user said dedicated wildlife corridors were necessary because the animals had a natural right to move through their habitat, while another argued that long-term solutions such as tunnels or railway overbridges should be considered.The moment therefore showed both sides of the challenge: the importance of immediate intervention when elephants approach railway tracks, and the growing demand for infrastructure that can make such crossings safer for wildlife in the long run.- EndsPublished By: Yashna TalwarPublished On: Aug 19, 2026 18:01 IST