Ministry Unveils 110 Railway Stretches to Combat Wildlife Mortality
Synopsis
In a proactive move to curb wildlife mortality on railway tracks, the Environment Ministry, alongside the Ministry of Railways, has identified 110 critical railway stretches for 705 mitigation measures, ensuring safer passage for animals. This initiative highlights the importance of wildlife conservation in infrastructure planning.
Key Takeaways
110 railway stretches identified for wildlife safety.
705 mitigation measures proposed to reduce animal fatalities.
Collaboration between the Environment Ministry and Ministry of Railways.
Importance of joint planning for wildlife corridors.
Focus on data-driven strategies for effective conservation.
New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) To tackle the increasing occurrences of wildlife fatalities on railway tracks, the Environment Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways, has pinpointed 110 railway sections within elephant habitats and 17 segments in states with tiger populations that necessitate 705 mitigation strategies to ensure safe transit for wildlife, an official reported on Thursday.
During a two-day national workshop titled "Policy Implementation for Reducing Elephant Deaths on Railway Tracks" at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun, an official highlighted that the proposed mitigation framework for these critical areas encompasses 503 ramps and level crossings, 72 bridge extensions and modifications, 39 fencing or trenching structures, 4 exit ramps, 65 new underpasses, and 22 overpasses.
In total, these initiatives represent 705 mitigation structures aimed at promoting safe wildlife movement and minimizing accidents, the official stated.
Following an extensive evaluation of 127 railway stretches covering 3,452.4 km, 77 stretches across 1,965.2 km in 14 states were prioritized for intervention, taking into account wildlife migration patterns and the potential for animal fatalities.
Thorough joint field surveys conducted by teams from Project Elephant, WII, State Forest Departments, and Indian Railways assessed specific ecological conditions and recommended tailored mitigation strategies for each site.
The workshop, held on March 10-11 by the Information Project Elephant Division under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, in partnership with WII, convened 40 participants, including senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's Project Elephant Division, Ministry of Railways, Forest Departments of elephant-range states, and prominent conservation scientists.
Key railway zones represented included East Central Railway, East Coast Railway, North Eastern Railway, North East Frontier Railway, Northern Railway, South Eastern Railway, Southern Railway, and South Western Railway.
The workshop featured technical sessions on elephant ecology, infrastructure planning, and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the necessity for collaborative planning when railways intersect wildlife corridors.
"Participants analyzed state-level data, case studies, and key collision factors—including habitat fragmentation, land-use changes, train speeds, nighttime operations, and seasonal elephant movements," a statement noted.
"Regional working groups assessed mitigation measures across significant landscapes (Shivalik-Gangetic Plains, Central India and Eastern Ghats, North-East India, Western Ghats), identified deficiencies, and proposed landscape-specific strategies. Best practices discussed included early-warning systems, sensor/AI detection technologies, GIS monitoring, and community-based alert and patrolling networks," it added.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize the importance of implementing effective wildlife protection measures on railway lines. This initiative not only highlights the need for collaboration between ministries but also reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance infrastructure development with biodiversity conservation. A nation-first approach is vital for sustainable progress.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures are being proposed to mitigate wildlife mortality on railway tracks?
The proposed measures include 503 ramps and level crossings, 72 bridge modifications, 39 fencing structures, 4 exit ramps, 65 underpasses, and 22 overpasses, totaling 705 mitigation structures.
How many railway stretches have been identified for intervention?
A total of 110 railway stretches across elephant ranges and 17 stretches in tiger-range states have been identified.
What was the goal of the national workshop held in Dehradun?
The workshop aimed to discuss and implement policies to minimize elephant fatalities on railway tracks, bringing together key stakeholders in conservation.
Which organizations collaborated on this initiative?
The initiative is a collaboration between the Environment Ministry, the Ministry of Railways, the Wildlife Institute of India, and various state forest departments.
What are the main factors contributing to wildlife collisions on railways?
Factors include habitat fragmentation, land-use changes, train speeds, nighttime operations, and seasonal movements of elephants.
