The Shadow Side: Trains & Elephants

Chapramari is crossed by the New Jalpaiguri-Alipurduar broad gauge railway line, which passes directly through the elephant corridor and represents one of the most pressing conservation crises in the sanctuary. In November 2013, the Jaipur-Kamakhya Express struck a herd of 40-50 elephants on the Jaldhaka River Bridge, killing five adults and two calves. In 2023, a goods train killed a pregnant elephant at pillar 68 of the sanctuary. Indian Railways has imposed speed limits of 40km/h for trains through the corridor, though enforcement remains inconsistent. Awareness of this issue adds a sobering but important dimension to any visit.