Gularbhoj–Lalkuan – The elephant that was hit by a train on the Gularbhoj–Lalkuan railway track continues to struggle for life, even as a special team from Mathura works tirelessly to treat its severe injuries. However, controversy has erupted after railway officials blamed the helpless animal itself for the tragic incident.
According to railway authorities, the accident occurred because the elephant suddenly came onto the tracks, leaving the train driver no time to react. Officials have denied the need for any departmental inquiry, insisting that the elephant’s sudden appearance was the sole reason for the mishap.
Animal rights activists, however, strongly disagree. They accuse the Railways of negligence and insensitivity, arguing that the lack of preventive measures in forest zones led to the accident. Activists have demanded an independent investigation into the matter and called for urgent safety steps to protect wildlife near railway lines.
The railway line passing through forested areas has a prescribed speed limit of 30 km per hour. Critics are now questioning why the train driver failed to apply brakes in time if the train was indeed running at the approved speed. Locals have also reported that another train was seen moving at high speed near Tilpur village, close to Peepal Padav Range, on Saturday — raising further doubts over the enforcement of safety rules.
Wildlife experts have urged that sensitive stretches of the forest track be barricaded to prevent recurring accidents. Meanwhile, railway officials maintain that warning and caution boards have already been installed along forest routes and that coordination with the Forest Department is conducted regularly to avoid such incidents.
