A disastrous collision between the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and a herd of wild elephants resulted in the deaths of eight elephants and the derailment of five coaches in the early hours . Though the train engine derailed, it has now been confirmed by railway officials that there are no injuries or fatalities among the train staff or passengers.
The incident happened around 2:17 AM on December 20, 2025, in the Changjurai area of Hojai, which comes under the Jamunamukh-Kampur section of the Lumding Railway Division.
Midnight Collision and Derailment
The incident involved the New Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express (Train No. 20507), which was coming from Brahmaputra Mail when it encountered a group of elephant in the Lumding Division area. The loco pilot tried to apply emergency brakes in order to avoid an accident due to the momentum caused by the train’s speed.
Death Toll: The authorities confirmed that eight elephants died instantly.
Rescue: One injured elephant calf has been rescued from the affected area and is undergoing treatment.
Derailment: The accident led to the derailment of the locomotive and five trailing coaches that spilled debris and dead livestock on the railway line.
Passenger Safety and Alternative Transport
However, fortunately for the hundreds of commuters who were traveling, there were no reported casualties or injuries among the passengers or members of the railway staff.
Handling the Emergencies: The affected passengers were relocated to empty berths in the unaffected portions of the train.
Journey Resumption: The train left the spot with the detached coaches for Guwahati at 6:11 AM.
Further Arrangements: On arriving at Guwahati station, additional coaches would be coupled so that everyone could continue their journey comfortably into Anand Vihar Terminal, Delhi.
Train Services Disrupted & Redirected
The magnitude of the tragedy has hit the railway network connecting Upper Assam and the Northeast rather badly.
Restoration: Senior officials of the railways, along with the General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), are presently present at the site to oversee the restoration process.
Diversions: Trains that were supposed to pass along the affected route of the Jamunamukh-Kampur section are being diverted along the UP line.
Helplines: Emergency numbers of helplines have been initiated for passengers in Guwahati railway station:
- 0361-2731621
- 0361-2731622
- 0361-2731623
