Team discusses train operations and safe animal passage

The team during the joint inspection of the Siliguri Jn - Alipurduar Jn BG line of Alipurduar division carried out on January 24.

The team during the joint inspection of the Siliguri Jn - Alipurduar Jn BG line of Alipurduar division carried out on January 24.

Maligaon, January 24 (MExN): A joint inspection of the Siliguri Jn - Alipurduar Jn BG line of Alipurduar division was carried out on January 24.

The high level team comprised of DRM Alipurduar NFR and officers and Forest Department officials, Government of West Bengal headed by Additional PCCF, North Bengal.

The main objective of the inspection was for ensuring safety of train operations along with saving wildlife, Subhanan Chanda, Chief Public Relations Officer stated in a press release. 

During the inspection, the team discussed about trimming of trees in forest areas to improve visibility for train drivers, imposition of speed restrictions in elephant corridors and improved synergy between forest and railways for better tracking of elephant herds moving near railway tracks. Alternatives like construction of ramps, underpasses and overpasses for the ease of movement of wildlife across the railway track were also deliberated upon.

It may be noted that, NFR has already imposed speed restrictions for train movement in all notified Elephant Corridors of the entire section and drivers of both good and passenger trains have been able to save hundreds of elephants due to their alertness. “It is hoped that the joint inspection will proved to be helpful in better co-ordination amongst field level officials of Railway and Forest department,” the PRO added.