Elephant Killed in Train Collision Near Jogal Station, Sparks Wildlife Safety Outcry in Odisha

A tragic wildlife accident occurred late Saturday night when a tusker was fatally struck by a speeding train near Jogal Railway Station in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

The incident took place around 11:30 p.m., as the elephant became trapped between two closed railway gates near Betanoti.

Local villagers reportedly tried to guide the elephant away from the tracks, but the closed gates left the animal stranded. Moments later, a train approached and hit the tusker, killing it instantly.

Train services were briefly halted as authorities responded to the scene.

This incident has reignited concerns over the increasing number of elephant deaths along railway corridors in Odisha.

Conservationists and local residents are demanding urgent action, including the installation of dedicated elephant corridors, improved coordination between forest and railway departments, and real-time monitoring systems to prevent such tragedies.

Previously, Indian Railways had launched the ‘Kumki’ campaign in Athagarh, Odisha, featuring an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to enhance elephant safety.

Wildlife advocates are now urging authorities to expand such initiatives to vulnerable zones like Mayurbhanj.