353 Lions Saved From Train Accidents in 2.5 Years Across Gujarat

With Asiatic lions increasingly moving beyond the Gir forest and into wildlife and revenue areas within a radius of up to 100 km, the Forest Department and Railways are stepping up measures to prevent train-related deaths. After 19 lions were killed in train accidents over a decade, coordinated efforts have helped save 353 lions from potential train collisions in the past two-and-a-half years.

Lion movement has become increasingly common outside the core Gir forest landscape, including areas around highways and railway tracks. The issue is particularly significant in Amreli district, where goods trains travelling towards Pipavav and passenger trains connecting urban and rural areas pass through regions frequented by lions.

19 Lions Killed in Train Accidents Between 2014 and 2024

According to a report submitted by the government before the Gujarat High Court, 19 lions were killed after being hit by trains between 2014 and 2024.

The fatalities prompted the Railways and Forest Department to strengthen monitoring and coordination along railway routes passing through lion habitats.

353 Lions Saved in Two-and-a-Half Years

According to official figures from the Bhavnagar railway division, 353 lions were prevented from coming under trains across railway routes connecting Amreli, Bhavnagar, Junagadh and Gir Somnath districts.

The figures include 159 lions in 2024-25, 129 in 2025-26 and 65 between April 2026 and the latest available date in the current financial year.

The rescues have been attributed to coordination between railway locomotive pilots and Forest Department trackers, along with advance information about lion movement near railway tracks.

Speed Restrictions and Caution Orders in Sensitive Areas

The safety measures extend beyond emergency braking. In areas identified as sensitive for lion movement, the Forest Department shares information with railway authorities, allowing speed restrictions and caution orders to be implemented.

Locomotive pilots are also instructed to maintain heightened vigilance while passing through these stretches. Trackers deployed by the Forest Department monitor lion movement and communicate information to railway personnel.

Watchtowers, Underpasses and AI Monitoring

Several measures have been introduced around railway tracks in the region, including trackers, watchtowers and underpasses to reduce the risk of lions coming into contact with trains.

An AI-based monitoring system is also being used as part of efforts to detect and track lion movement near railway routes.

14 Potential Collisions Prevented in Two Months in 2024

The Railways had reported that 14 potential lion-train collisions were prevented within two months in 2024 on the route towards Pipavav.

The incidents highlighted the importance of early alerts from Forest Department personnel and timely action by locomotive pilots operating trains through lion movement zones.

No Train-Related Lion Death Since August 2024

Following the introduction of coordinated and technology-based measures, no lion death due to a train collision was reported between August 2024 and May 2026, according to the government’s report.

The Forest Department and Railways are now working towards a ‘zero lion death’ target, particularly on railway stretches passing through areas where Asiatic lions regularly move outside the Gir forest.