Rajkot: The quick actions of a train crew averted a potential tragedy on Tuesday when a pride of six Asiatic lions was spotted crossing railway tracks in the Junagadh–Visavadar section of Gujarat. The incident occurred in the Bhavnagar division of Western Railway, where loco pilot Ramesh P and assistant loco pilot Chintan Kumar, both based in Junagadh, were operating the Junagadh-Veraval passenger train. Upon sighting the pride on the tracks, the crew immediately applied emergency brakes, bringing the train to a halt and ensuring the safety of both the lions and passengers.
Coordinated Efforts Yield Results
The Bhavnagar division has achieved significant success through coordinated efforts with the forest department. In the 2024-25 financial year, a total of 159 lions were saved from accidents on railway tracks. This was followed by 129 lions saved in 2025-26. In the current financial year, which began in April, 11 lions have already been saved, reflecting the effectiveness of ongoing conservation measures.
Related Incident on National Highway
In a separate but similar event, the forest department team from Rajula successfully assisted two lions in safely crossing a national highway near Chhatadiya village on the Amreli-Bhavnagar stretch late Tuesday night. The team temporarily halted traffic in both directions after spotting the lions, allowing them to cross without incident. This highway frequently sees movement of heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and tempos, in addition to cars and two-wheelers, making such interventions critical for wildlife safety.
These incidents highlight the growing awareness and proactive measures being taken to protect the Asiatic lion population in Gujarat, which is the only home for this endangered species in the wild.
