Loco Pilots Slam Emergency Brakes, Save Three Asiatic Lions On Pipavav Rail Track

Three Asiatic lions were saved from a possible rail accident after alert loco pilots spotted them crossing the tracks on the Pipavav Siding–Pipavav Port rail section and immediately applied emergency brakes.

Train Halted As Lions Crossed Tracks

The incident took place on October 5 when a freight train was passing through the section. Loco pilot Vivek Verma and assistant loco pilot Rahul Kumawat spotted the three lions on the tracks and promptly brought the train to a safe halt.

The crew then informed the train manager and Pipavav Port station manager about the presence of the lions.

Forest Tracker Safely Moves Lions Away

Following the alert, Forest Department tracker Jay Singh rushed to the spot and safely guided the three lions away from the railway tracks.

The freight train was allowed to resume its journey only after the track was cleared and the situation returned to normal.

Railways, Forest Department Step Up Vigilance

Railway officials said trains operating through wildlife-sensitive areas are run at prescribed speeds with heightened vigilance, in coordination with the Forest Department.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Atul Kumar Tripathi said such coordinated efforts helped save 159 lions from rail accidents during 2024-25. Another 129 lions were protected during 2025-26, while 80 Asiatic lions have been safely rescued since April in the current financial year, 2026-27.