Title - '46 elephants killed in train-hits in last three years'

Forty-six elephants have been killed on rail tracks in the country since 2009, with the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) accounting for the maximum number of pachyderm deaths, the government said today. A total of 36 elephants were killed, including five till August 15, alone in NFR, Railway Minister Mukul Roy said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. While in 2009, nine elephants were killed in train-hits, the casualty rose to 20 in 2010 across the country. However, casualty decreased next year to nine and till August 15, the figure stood at eight. Railways have undertaken several steps to prevent elephant casualties. It is holding regular meetings with Environment and Forest Ministry to take remedial measures, Roy said. Elephant corridors have been identified by the Forest department and on such corridors speed restrictions have been imposed and signage boards provided to warn train drivers. The minister said efforts are on to find a more lasting solution in the matter through construction of ramps and underpasses, the cost of which would be borne by Forest department.