Alert loco pilots stop Rajdhani Express, save herd of elephants in Assam
A Rajdhani Express was halted near Assam, so a herd of wild elephants could cross the tracks safely. The video shared by Northeast Frontier Railway drew praise for the crew's alert response.

A video shared by Northeast Frontier Railway has left the internet applauding two loco pilots after their quick thinking helped save a herd of wild elephants from a possible collision.
The footage shows the 12424 Rajdhani Express halted on the tracks near Assam’s Jorhat, as the animals safely make their way across in the darkness.
The video, posted on X, shows a herd of elephants, including a calf, crossing railway tracks in the dark. The train can be seen standing still on the tracks, its headlights illuminating the path as the animals calmly make their way across.
According to the railway authorities, the potentially dangerous situation was averted thanks to the quick thinking of the train crew.
“Alert Loco Pilots Avert Collision, Protect Herd of Wild Elephants!” the post declared.
The caption further explained, “Demonstrating exceptional alertness, Loco Pilot S.N. Raju and Assistant Loco Pilot R. K. Singh of 12424 Rajdhani Express applied the emergency brake in time, averting a possible collision and ensuring the safe passage of a herd of wild elephants between Titabar and Mariani stations in the early hours today.”
Watch the video here:
The incident reportedly took place between Titabar and Mariani stations, a region in Assam where elephant movement across railway tracks is not uncommon. In such areas, vigilance from train crews is often critical in preventing tragic accidents involving wildlife.
The footage captures a particularly touching moment as the elephants, including a young calf, safely cross in front of the halted train before disappearing into the darkness. The calm manner in which the herd moves across the tracks underscores how a few seconds of alertness can make all the difference.
The video quickly attracted attention online, with users applauding the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot for prioritising the animals' safety.
Many described the crew members as heroes, while others praised Indian Railways for highlighting acts of compassion and responsibility. Several users also pointed out that collisions between trains and elephants can have devastating consequences, making the crew's swift action all the more commendable.
A video shared by Northeast Frontier Railway has left the internet applauding two loco pilots after their quick thinking helped save a herd of wild elephants from a possible collision.
The footage shows the 12424 Rajdhani Express halted on the tracks near Assam’s Jorhat, as the animals safely make their way across in the darkness.
The video, posted on X, shows a herd of elephants, including a calf, crossing railway tracks in the dark. The train can be seen standing still on the tracks, its headlights illuminating the path as the animals calmly make their way across.
According to the railway authorities, the potentially dangerous situation was averted thanks to the quick thinking of the train crew.
“Alert Loco Pilots Avert Collision, Protect Herd of Wild Elephants!” the post declared.
The caption further explained, “Demonstrating exceptional alertness, Loco Pilot S.N. Raju and Assistant Loco Pilot R. K. Singh of 12424 Rajdhani Express applied the emergency brake in time, averting a possible collision and ensuring the safe passage of a herd of wild elephants between Titabar and Mariani stations in the early hours today.”
Watch the video here:
The incident reportedly took place between Titabar and Mariani stations, a region in Assam where elephant movement across railway tracks is not uncommon. In such areas, vigilance from train crews is often critical in preventing tragic accidents involving wildlife.
The footage captures a particularly touching moment as the elephants, including a young calf, safely cross in front of the halted train before disappearing into the darkness. The calm manner in which the herd moves across the tracks underscores how a few seconds of alertness can make all the difference.
The video quickly attracted attention online, with users applauding the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot for prioritising the animals' safety.
Many described the crew members as heroes, while others praised Indian Railways for highlighting acts of compassion and responsibility. Several users also pointed out that collisions between trains and elephants can have devastating consequences, making the crew's swift action all the more commendable.