Jharkhand: 18 trains cancelled, road traffic also disrupted due to elephant movement

December 25, 2025

Ranchi: Rail and road traffic has been severely disrupted in many areas of Jharkhand due to the continuous movement of wild elephants.

18 local passenger trains have been cancelled from December 25 to 28 due to repeated elephant crossings on the Manoharpur-Jharsuguda rail section of the Chakradharpur Railway Division.

Cancelled trains include:

Tatanagar–Rourkela–Tatanagar MEMU
Chakradharpur–Rourkela–Chakradharpur MEMU
Tata–Barbil–Tata MEMU
Tata–Gua–Tata MEMU
Tata–Chakradharpur–Tata MEMU
Tata–Kharagpur–Tata MEMU

This has caused significant inconvenience to commuters traveling daily from smaller stations.

Timely action averted a major accident
A herd of 22 elephants was found crossing the tracks between Bisra and Bandamunda on the Howrah–Mumbai main line.

Prioritizing the safety of the elephants, the Railways temporarily halted 12 long-distance trains, preventing the possibility of an accident.

Vigilance has been further increased following the death of 7 elephants after being hit by the Rajdhani Express in Assam on December 20.
The Chakradharpur division was also honored by the Wildlife Trust of India for its timely intervention.

Traffic halted on the Ranchi-Ramgarh highway
On Wednesday evening, a herd of 18 elephants straying from the forest also caused panic on National Highway 33, connecting Ranchi and Ramgarh.

As a precaution, the police and district administration halted vehicular traffic on both sides. The highway remained completely closed for about an hour.

Later, the Forest Department’s rapid response team, using torches, flashlights, and sirens, safely guided the elephants back to the forest, after which traffic was restored.

According to officials, the situation is alarming, as six people have died in elephant attacks in the past week. People have been advised to remain vigilant and report any elephant sightings immediately.