Bhavnagar Division Loco Pilots Save 5 Lions from Being Hit by a Passenger Train Due to Their Alertness
The Bhavnagar Railway Division has been continuously making efforts for the safety of lions and other wildlife. As per the directives of the division, loco pilots operating trains are strictly following speed limits and working with heightened vigilance. Due to the alertness of the loco pilots and the assistance of forest department trackers, a total of 159 lions were saved during the financial year 2024–25. In the current financial year 2025–26, a total of 29 lions have been saved so far.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Bhavnagar Division, Mr. Atul Kumar Tripathi, informed that on Monday, August 4, 2025, Loco Pilot Mr. Baliram Kumar (Headquarters – Junagadh) and Assistant Loco Pilot Mr. Hardeep Garla (Headquarters – Junagadh), while operating passenger train (52946) from Junagadh to Veraval, spotted four lions (a lion, a lioness, and their three cubs) sleeping on the railway track between km marker 11/01 and 11/02 in the Junagadh–Veraval meter gauge section. They immediately applied the emergency brake and brought the train to a halt. The loco pilot then informed the train manager (guard). A forest tracker arrived, safely moved the lions off the track, and after ensuring everything was normal, permitted the train to proceed. The loco pilot then cautiously resumed the journey toward the destination.
Upon receiving the report, Divisional Railway Manager Mr. Dinesh Verma, Additional Divisional Railway Manager Mr. Himanshu Sharma, and other senior officials praised the loco pilots for their commendable action.
