WATCH: Assam Forest Guard Stops Train to Save Elephants From Tragedy on Tracks, Video Goes Viral

In Assam's Hojai district, a forest official's quick action in stopping an approaching train averted a potential tragedy, ensuring the safe passage of a large elephant herd across the railway tracks. The incident, praised by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, has ignited calls for permanent solutions like wildlife crossings to prevent future collisions.

In a heartwarming yet tense moment, a forest personnel in Assam’s Hojai district stepped onto the tracks to stop an approaching train, successfully averting potential tragedy and allowing a large herd of elephants to cross safely.

In a video posted by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, a forest personnel was seen signaling the train with a flashlight and waving frantically to alert the locomotive pilot, successfully bringing the heavy vehicle to a halt just in time, as elephants were crossing the railway tracks.

Since districts like Hojai, where the train passes through elephant corridors and forested terrain, are prone to wildlife crossings, the forest officials are tasked with remaining vigilant and alerting train operators whenever elephants approach the tracks.

Forest Personnel’s Quick Action Saves Elephants

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a video of the incident on social media, praising the prompt coordination and vigilance of the forest personnel and railway staff for securing a safe passage for the herd.

In a video that went viral on social media, a large family of wild elephants was seen navigating the dense terrain and carefully crossing the railway lines in Assam’s Hojai district when the train was approaching. Noticing the approaching train, a forest official, who was on the other side of the track, immediately stepped in and flashed a light to alert the locomotive pilot.

His effort to alert the locomotive pilot in time successfully halted the train, allowing the entire herd to cross the tracks unharmed, which came to the notice of the Assam CM, who praised the forest personnel and railway staff for their timely intervention and coordinated efforts in ensuring the elephants crossed the railway tracks safely.

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 giants 🐘

This 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, 2026

According to local reports, the train was the Down Rajdhani Express, which was approaching Hawaipur in Hojai when a forest department staffer spotted the elephant herd near the tracks. Rajdhani Express reportedly departed from New Delhi, and the final destination was Dibrugarh, Assam, with the train passing through Hojai when the forest official spotted the elephants near the railway tracks.

The timely intervention by the forest department ensured that the train was stopped before reaching the herd, allowing the elephants to safely cross the tracks and preventing a potential tragedy.

Fans Call for Permanent Wildlife Crossings

The video shared by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, wherein a forest department official was seen alerting the locomotive pilot with a flashlight after noticing the elephants were crossing the railway tracks, has sparked widespread calls for permanent wildlife crossings.

Taking to their X handles, many users suggested building wildlife overpasses and underpasses, especially in forest areas where elephant herds frequently cross railway tracks, while others called for AI-enabled cameras to alert train operators in advance and prevent potential collisions.

However, some users stressed that such measures should be implemented as long-term solutions to ensure safer passage for elephants and prevent future train-wildlife collisions. Another section of users praised the forest official’s bravery and timely intervention, while urging authorities to adopt permanent measures to protect both wildlife and railway passengers.

I think there should be a Wildlife corridor/overpass here ... a bridge over the Railway tracks to allow herds of elephants and other animals to cross without being hit by trains. Safety for animals, safety for the train

— Swayam prabha Das (@LvngDMyth) August 19, 2026

That’s great but there must be designated elephants corridors where AI cameras be installed which should alert trains coming from any direction well in time. The moment elephants are out of track it should again give alert to move.

— n.r.s (@nagenderSR) August 19, 2026

Elevated corridor for animals. Or fencing is required or underground tunnels are required for safe passage of animals @AshwiniVaishnaw

— Boivik sen (@BoivikSen56234) August 19, 2026

Dada .. but this is not a long term sustainable solution. Why cannot we either make a tunnel on those specific section or a rail overvridge for a long term solution? I am sure govt can spend fund for this considering natural impact. @himantabiswa

— Palash G (@CaptainIndia201) August 19, 2026

Is it possible to protect them all the time in such a way? I think the government and the railway must introduce something alternative.

— Pinaki Dasgupta (@_ImPinaki) August 19, 2026

We need to create bridges or under pass for the animals to cross or completely lift the rail lines via bridges while passing through such areas.

— Saurav Chatterjee (@mystic_saurav) August 19, 2026

Sir je use AI enabled camera, it does wonderful job in detecting and alerting the driver. @supriyasahuias mam has great insight into it.

— Vikash Ruvachikov (@vikashroy) August 19, 2026

This is not a “corridor of safety”. This is a man standing on the track and waving what appears to be a torch light and making the train stop. 

A “corridor of safety” would mean both elephants and trains pass through separately and simultaneously.

— P. Wodeyar (@blunt_panther) August 19, 2026

Sir, respectfully I would like to believe this to be a temporary arrangement. People sitting in the train are sitting ducks in a terrorist attack in such places. Please consider a permanent solution. 🙏

— 🇮🇳 Mukkul (@mukkulsharma) August 19, 2026

Create underpasses for elephants at they will adapt to use them ....?? 
Isn't this a good idea ?? @himantabiswa

— nightlog_anon (@Sumit1417052) August 19, 2026

The northeastern states like Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Mizoram are known for their rich biodiversity and dense wildlife habitats, which intersect with major railway networks, necessitating ongoing cooperation between forest departments and railway authorities to protect endangered species.