Dimapur, Mar. 23 (EMN): On March 22 a train from Silghat to Guwahati saved an elephant on the track. The crew members were Kanak Chandra Nath, Loco Pilot (driver); Ravi Ranjan Kumar, Assistant Loco Pilot and Arun Rabha, Guard.
A press release issued by the NF Railways Maligaon mentioned that the train left Silghat as per its schedule departure and while entering Jhakla Banda railway station the on duty crew members suddenly noticed a movement of an elephant at km 54/0-1 just about 65 m ahead of the train.
The members on noticing the movement applied emergency brake at once for stopping the train and the train came to dead stop just 25 metres before the location through which the elephant was passing thereby saving the life of the elephant and ensuring its safe passage, the release stated.
The section where the incident occurred is not earmarked as elephant corridor and also no information on the movement of the elephant was received by the crew members. Despite these, the loco pilot was cautious enough with a speed of about 40 kmph and managed to save the elephant, the release further stated.
In reaction to the incident, the elephant however is said to have suddenly moved towards the diesel power car and attacked resulting to damages on the outer body of the diesel power car.
The alertness and presence of mind of the loco pilot and crew in acting timely to prevent elephant casualty has been widely appreciated and they have been recommended for award by General Manager, NF Railway.
