Western Railway’s Bhavnagar Division is continuously making effective efforts to protect Asiatic lions and other wildlife. Under the directions of the Divisional Administration, loco pilots are operating trains with utmost vigilance while strictly adhering to the prescribed speed restrictions. Owing to the alertness of loco pilots and coordinated efforts with the Forest Department’s forest trackers, a total of 159 lions were safely protected during FY 2024–25, 129 lions during FY 2025–26, and 32 lions from April till date in the current FY 2026–27.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Bhavnagar Division, Mr. Atul Kumar Tripathi, informed that on 23 July 2026, Loco Pilot Mr. Chandan Kumar (Headquarters: Junagadh) and Assistant Loco Pilot Mr. Mohammad Shibli (Headquarters: Junagadh) were operating Train No. 52955 Veraval–Junagadh Passenger. While passing through the Sasan Gir–Kansiyanes section, near Kilometre No. 114/02–114/01, they suddenly noticed a lion standing on the railway track. Realising the seriousness of the situation, the loco pilot displayed exceptional presence of mind and immediately applied the emergency brake, bringing the train to a safe halt and thereby preventing a possible accident involving the lion.
Thereafter, the loco pilot immediately informed the Train Manager (Guard). Forest Tracker Mr. J. G. Parmar from the Forest Department promptly reached the site and safely guided the lion away from the railway track. After the situation returned to normal, permission was granted for the train to resume its journey, and it proceeded towards its destination with due caution.
Upon receiving information about the incident, Divisional Railway Manager Mr. Dinesh Verma, Additional Divisional Railway Manager Mr. Ritvik Sharma, and other divisional officers appreciated the vigilance, sensitivity, and dedication displayed by the loco pilots.
Bhavnagar Division remains fully committed to wildlife conservation and will continue its coordinated efforts with the Forest Department to ensure the safety and protection of Asiatic lions and other wildlife along the railway network.
Atul Kumar Tripathi
Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager
Western Railway, Bhavnagar Para
