The Chakradharpur Railway Division is currently struggling with significant operational delays due to the frequent movement of elephants and stray animals on the tracks. Between April 1 and April 11, hundreds of trains were forced to slow down or stop, leading to a massive loss of operational hours. These disruptions have caused widespread dissatisfaction among passengers, leading local organizations and political representatives to warn of large-scale protests against the railway administration.
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Breakdown of train delays and operational loss
Official data released by the railway administration highlights the extent of the disruption caused by wildlife and cattle. While elephants have been a recurring issue in this forest-rich division, stray animals on the tracks have also contributed significantly to the delays.
| Category | Duration of Monitoring | Trains Affected | Total Time Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Elephant Movement | April 1 to April 9 | 328 Trains | 549.09 Minutes |
| Stray Animal Incidents | April 2 to April 11 | 24 Trains | 11 Hours 19 Minutes |
A major accident was narrowly avoided on April 8, 2026, when the loco pilot of the Howrah-Ahmedabad Superfast Express had to apply emergency brakes as a herd of wild elephants suddenly appeared on the tracks. Such incidents have forced the railways to maintain restricted speeds in sensitive zones, affecting the overall punctuality of the division.
Public protests and the railway’s response
The persistent delays have sparked anger among local commuters and political groups. On April 13, 2026, a delegation led by JMM leader Ramlal Munda met with DRM Tarun Huria to submit a memorandum. The delegation alleged that the railway is prioritizing goods trains over passenger services and using elephant movement as a convenient excuse for mismanagement. They have threatened a Rail Roko movement if the situation does not improve within a week.
- DRM Tarun Huria assured that the administration is committed to punctuality but cited safety as the top priority during elephant crossings.
- The Kolhan Raksha Sangh has also warned of protests against the perceived insensitivity of railway officials toward passenger grievances.
- Railway plans include the construction of seven underpasses and the installation of AI-based thermal cameras to detect animal movement.
- Optical fiber cable-based intrusion detection systems are expected to be fully functional within the next six months to prevent future collisions.