After Eight Elephants Die, Congress MP Gogoi Slams Assam Government’s Development Model

Assam: A tragic accident took place in the Hojai district of Assam in the early hours of Saturday. The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express collided head-on with a group of passengers. At least eight elephants died in this accident, while one baby elephant was rescued in injured condition. This incident is said to have happened around 2:17 in the morning.

How much damage did the train suffer in the accident?

The collision was so severe that the engine of the train and five coaches attached to it derailed. It is a matter of relief that there is no news of any casualty or injury to any passenger. Railway officials said that most of the passengers were in deep sleep at the time of the accident.

What information did the Forest Department give?

Forest department officials have confirmed that eight elephants died on the spot in the accident. An injured cub has been taken out safely and is being treated. The team has reached the spot and is monitoring the situation.

How did the relief and rescue operations go after the accident?

As soon as information about the incident was received, the accident relief train and senior railway officials reached the spot. The place of the accident is said to be about 126 kilometers away from Guwahati. The rescue operation took time due to elephant carcasses and debris scattered on the track.

How were the passengers handled?

Passengers of the coaches affected by the accident were temporarily shifted to vacant berths in other coaches of the train. Railways said that upon reaching Guwahati, additional coaches will be installed so that all the passengers can get convenience and the train can complete its further journey.

What was the impact on rail services?

Due to this accident, the movement of many trains going towards Upper Assam and other parts of the Northeast was affected. Railways has appealed to the passengers to remain patient, and the work of restoring the track is going on at a fast pace.

Is this area an elephant corridor?

According to officials, there is no declared elephant corridor at the site of the accident. Seeing the elephants on the tracks, the loco pilot immediately applied emergency brakes, but then the elephants moved towards the train and a collision occurred.

What did Gaurav Gogoi say on the death of eight elephants?

Meanwhile, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has expressed deep grief over the death of eight elephants in the state. Referring to this incident on his official X handle, he raised questions on the policies of the state government. Gogoi said that during the tenure of the Himanta Biswa Sarma government, forests are being destroyed rapidly due to the development work being done without concrete planning and weak monitoring. This is directly impacting the wildlife, and the traditional movement of animals has been disrupted, which is becoming a major reason for such incidents.

The death of eight elephants after a collision with the Rajdhani Express in Assam is deeply concerning and underscores the growing challenge of human–animal conflict in the state.

Such incidents point to the rapid loss and fragmentation of natural habitats in recent years.…

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) December 20, 2025