Wild Encounter: Elephants Halt Heritage Railway

A dramatic incident occurred on the Mettupalayam-Coonor rail route when a herd of wild elephants, including calves, occupied a tunnel. A video capturing the moment went viral, showing an elephant chasing railway employees. Activists urge reduced train speeds due to frequent wildlife encounters on this heritage route.

An intense scenario unfolded along the Mettupalayam-Coonor rail route as a group of wild elephants settled inside a tunnel, instigating a hair-raising encounter with railway workers, officials reported on Wednesday.

A viral video from March 17 shows the employees narrowly avoiding harm as the elephants, including calves, camped in a tunnel of the renowned Nilgiris Mountain Railway.

One elephant emerged to pursue the workers briefly, disappearing into the wilderness. Environmentalists highlight the regularity of such incidents and advocate for slower train speeds to ensure safety for both humans and wildlife.

(With inputs from agencies.)