‘Gajaraj’ on the Tracks: Several Trains Cancelled in Jharkhand Due to Elephant Movement

Jamshedpur: The movement of elephants around Jamshedpur and nearby areas has brought train operations to a temporary halt. With herds of elephants approaching railway tracks, the Chakradharpur division of South Eastern Railway has taken precautionary measures to prevent potential accidents. Several passenger and MEMU trains have been cancelled from 7 to 9 January 2026 to ensure the safety of both passengers and wildlife.

Heightened Risk Due to Elephant Movement
Railway officials reported that in sections of the track surrounded by forest, elephant herds frequently come close to the rails. Poor visibility due to dense fog and night-time darkness increases the risk of collisions. To mitigate these dangers, train operations have been suspended as a precaution. Joint monitoring teams from the Railway and Forest Department are continuously overseeing the affected areas.

Trains Cancelled
The following trains will remain off the tracks over the next three days:

• Tatanagar–Badbil–Tatanagar
• Chakradharpur–Tatanagar–Kharagpur
• Tatanagar–Gua–Tatanagar
• Tatanagar–Rourkela–Tatanagar
• Jharsuguda–Hatia–Jharsuguda
• Birmitrapur–Barsuhan–Birmitrapur

Advice for Passengers
Passengers are advised to check the status of their trains before leaving for the station. Train services will resume only after the joint Railway–Forest Department teams declare the tracks safe.

Continuous Monitoring
Railway and Forest Department teams are closely monitoring the situation. Services will be restored with passenger safety as the top priority once the tracks are officially cleared.