Bhavnagar : In a remarkable act of vigilance, loco pilots from Bhavnagar Railway Division in Gujarat have consistently demonstrated their commitment to wildlife safety by saving lions from potential train accidents. The latest incident occurred on Monday morning when four lions were spotted crossing the railway track between the Liliya Mota-Savarkundla section.
Loco Pilot Vivek Verma and Senior Assistant Loco Pilot Ashutosh Mishra, both stationed in Surendranagar, applied emergency brakes to halt a goods train traveling from Hapa to Pipavav Port. The duo waited patiently as one lion crossed the track, followed by three others. The train manager and the deputy station superintendent at Savarkundla were immediately informed, prompting forest guards to arrive and ensure the lions had safely moved away.
Once the area was declared safe, the train resumed its journey. Divisional Railway Manager Ravish Kumar, Additional Divisional Railway Manager Himanshu Sharma, and other officials commended the pilots for their timely actions.
A History of Heroic Efforts
This year alone, the Bhavnagar Railway Division has saved over 96 lions through similar prompt actions. On October 3, 2024, Loco Pilots Baliram Kumar and Chintan Kumar stopped passenger train No. 09540 near the Junagadh-Bilkha section to allow a lion to cross safely. In another instance on September 19, 2024, Loco Pilots Chandan Kumar and Jagdish Prasad halted passenger train No. 06394 near the Sangir-Kansianesh section when they noticed a lion sitting on the tracks.
These efforts are not isolated. Earlier this year, on June 17, 2024, Loco Pilot Mukesh Kumar Meena stopped a goods train near Pipavav Port Station, saving a group of 10 lions from a potential accident. Each incident underscores the pilots’ dedication to safeguarding wildlife in Gujarat’s forest areas.
Special Measures for Lion Conservation
The Bhavnagar Division of Western Railway has implemented several measures to protect lions and other wildlife along the railway tracks. Divisional Railway Manager Ravish Kumar explained that loco pilots have been instructed to follow strict speed limits in forest areas, including stretches like Dhasa to Pipavav and Rajula City to Mahuva.
Additional precautions include honking horns near forest zones and monitoring lion movements in collaboration with the forest department. Caution orders are issued when lion activity is detected near railway tracks. Forest trackers also assist by signaling red lights to stop trains when lions are present, ensuring their safe passage.
Lions and Railways: A Delicate Balance
The regions of Gujarat where lions are frequently spotted, including the Gir Forest and its surrounding areas, pose unique challenges for railways. These majestic animals often wander near tracks, increasing the risk of accidents. However, the proactive measures taken by the Bhavnagar Railway Division, coupled with the vigilance of loco pilots, have significantly mitigated such risks.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Mashuk Ahmed emphasized that the division is committed to wildlife conservation. “Our team is constantly alert and works closely with the forest department to ensure the safety of lions and other wildlife,” he said.
Protecting wildlife while ensuring railway operations remain efficient requires continued collaboration between the forest department and railway authorities. With over 96 lions saved this year alone, the efforts of the Bhavnagar Railway Division set a benchmark for wildlife conservation in India.
