Relevance for UPSC: GS-III (Environment, Biodiversity, Infrastructure)
Source: Government data; Indian Railways; conservation studies

Context

A recent train–elephant collision in Assam has highlighted the growing conflict between linear transport infrastructure and wildlife conservation. 

India supports over 50% of the global Asian elephant population (≈52,000), making railway safety in elephant corridors a critical ecological issue.

Key Facts

• 2010–2020: ~1,160 elephants died due to non-natural causes
• Train hits: ~186 deaths (second after electrocution)
• Collisions peak at night and during harvest seasons
• Railways fragment elephant corridors, forcing risky crossings

Core Issue

Habitat fragmentation + high-speed trains + low night visibility significantly increase collision risk. Conventional measures like signboards and speed limits have limited impact when used alone.

Key Mitigation Measures

• Wildlife crossings (underpasses/overpasses) with fencing can cut wildlife deaths by up to 98% (IUCN).
• AI-based early warning systems, thermal cameras and sensors alert loco pilots in real time.
• GPS telemetry and camera traps help identify high-risk track segments and guide infrastructure design.

Policy & Institutional Framework

• Project Elephant – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• IUCN Asian Elephant Transport Working Group (2023) guidelines
• Collaboration between Railways and Forest Departments

Q. With reference to elephant deaths on railway tracks in India, consider the following statements:

1. Train collisions are a major non-natural cause of elephant mortality.
2. Wildlife underpasses and overpasses can significantly reduce such deaths.
3. Project Elephant is implemented by the Ministry of Railways.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3