Loco Pilots Slam Emergency Brakes in Bhavnagar to Save Asiatic Lion on Railway Track
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A vigilant goods train crew averted a tragedy near Rajula Junction in Gujarat's Bhavnagar division on Tuesday, slamming emergency brakes after spotting an Asiatic lion crossing the railway tracks.
Loco pilot Rikesh Kumar Bhatia and senior assistant loco pilot Kailash Kumawat were driving the freight train along the Rajula City–Rajula Junction section on September 8 when they noticed the big cat on the line ahead. Acting instantly, the duo brought the heavy freight convoy to a halt metres away from the animal.
Following the emergency stop, the train crew immediately alerted the train manager and the deputy station superintendent at Rajula City. Forest tracker Bharatbhai from the Gujarat Forest Department arrived shortly after, safely guiding the lion off the tracks and into the surrounding scrubland before the train resumed its journey.
Over 300 Lions Saved in Three Years
The incident highlights the ongoing coordination between Indian Railways and state wildlife authorities to protect endangered big cats in the Greater Gir landscape.
According to Atul Kumar Tripathi, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager for the Bhavnagar division, joint monitoring efforts and vigilant train crews have saved 353 Asiatic lions from potential rail accidents over the past three fiscal years.
Official figures show that railway staff prevented collisions with 159 lions in 2024–25 and 129 lions in 2025–26. A further 65 lions have been safely shepherded away from danger zones since April this year.
Strict Speed Restrictions in Wildlife Corridors
Bhavnagar division enforces strict speed caps and heightened vigilance protocols for all train operations running through marked wildlife corridors. Loco pilots receive regular briefings to maintain low speeds and scan the tracks continuously across sensitive stretches. Forest trackers work alongside rail staff to monitor pride movements along the tracks, ensuring prompt intervention whenever big cats stray near active lines.
