The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) reported that its personnel helped prevent potential train-elephant collisions involving 255 elephants between January and September 2026 through improved surveillance, technological interventions and coordination with forest authorities.

Key Highlights

• Division-wise protection: The railway reported that 122 elephants were protected in Lumding Division, 106 in Alipurduar, 15 in Tinsukia and 14 in Rangiya.
• Artificial Intelligence-Based Detection: An Intrusion Detection System using Distributed Acoustic System technology detects disturbances and vibrations near railway tracks and provides alerts about potential elephant movement in vulnerable areas.
• Plan Bee: This innovative system uses amplified honeybee sounds to deter elephants from approaching railway tracks.
• Operational safeguards: Railway authorities use temporary speed restrictions, cautionary signage, crew sensitisation and real-time coordination with the Forest Department when elephants are sighted.
• Wildlife underpasses: Underpasses are being constructed at identified locations to provide safer passage for wildlife and reduce the risk of collisions.
• Public awareness: Railway staff and passengers are sensitised against throwing food waste near tracks, as it may attract elephants and other wildlife.

Significance

• Elephants frequently cross railway lines while moving between forests, feeding grounds and water sources. Train collisions threaten elephant populations and passenger safety.
• The measures demonstrate how technology, infrastructure planning and coordination between railway and forest authorities can reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaway

The Northeast Frontier Railway combines artificial intelligence, acoustic deterrence, speed restrictions and wildlife-friendly infrastructure to reduce train-elephant collisions.

Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

1. Plan Bee uses amplified honeybee sounds to deter elephants.
2. Distributed Acoustic System technology can detect vibrations near railway tracks.
3. Wildlife underpasses help animals cross transport corridors more safely.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. Only 1 and 2

B. Only 2 and 3

C. Only 1 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

One-line wrap: Combining early-warning technology with wildlife-friendly railway infrastructure can help protect elephants while improving railway safety.