The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought detailed responses from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and other concerned authorities following the death of seven elephants after they were hit by a Rajdhani Express near Guwahati in December last year.
The green tribunal was hearing the matter after taking suo motu cognisance of a newspaper report that highlighted the incident. According to the report, the tragic accident took place on December 20, 2025, when the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express collided with a herd of elephants on the Jamunamukh–Kampur railway section under the Lumding division of the Northeast Frontier Railway.
The impact of the collision was severe. All seven elephants died on the spot, and the train’s engine along with five coaches derailed. Though no passenger casualties were reported, the incident caused major disruption to rail services and once again raised serious concerns about wildlife safety along railway tracks passing through forest areas in Assam. 
In its order dated January 5, the tribunal noted that “prima facie the facts and circumstances emerging from the news item raise substantial questions relating to the environment.” The NGT said the matter requires closer examination, especially in view of recurring wildlife deaths on railway lines in the region.
The tribunal has impleaded several authorities as respondents in the case. These include the CPCB, the Assam government through its special chief secretary (environment), the state’s principal chief conservator of forests, and the Assam State Pollution Control Board. Notices have been issued to all of them, directing them to file their replies and place relevant facts before the tribunal.
The NGT has further directed that the matter be listed before its eastern zonal bench in Kolkata on January 28 for further hearing. The case is expected to focus on preventive measures, coordination between railway and forest authorities, and long-term steps to reduce human–wildlife conflict along railway corridors in Assam.
