Protecting Sri Lanka’s Elephants: Addressing Train Collisions with Effective Solutions

elephant lying injured on a railway track in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, home to one of the largest Asian elephant populations, faces an ongoing challenge—preventing train collisions with elephants while ensuring railway safety and efficiency. Each year, elephant fatalities occur due to various causes, including accidents on railway tracks that pass through elephant habitats.

Efforts have been made to mitigate train-elephant collisions, but additional measures could further enhance protection for elephants and improve railway operations. The key to solving this challenge lies in collaboration between stakeholders, the use of innovative technology, and sustainable infrastructure improvements.

Understanding the Situation

According to the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), Sri Lanka’s railway network runs through several important elephant habitats, including Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, and Gal Oya. These areas experience frequent elephant crossings, increasing the risk of train-related incidents.

Reports from conservation groups and media indicate that:

Train collisions involving elephants occur in specific high-risk areas.
Some years have seen an increase in train-related elephant fatalities.
The human-elephant conflict remains a significant issue, affecting both people and wildlife.

Although train-related elephant deaths make up only a portion of total elephant fatalities, each incident is a serious conservation concern. Elephants are a keystone species that play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, making their protection crucial for Sri Lanka’s ecological balance.

Key Factors Contributing to the Issue

Elephant Crossings on Railway Tracks
Elephants follow traditional migration routes, some of which intersect with railway lines. Identifying these high-risk locations and implementing mitigation strategies can help reduce accidents.
Opportunities for Improved Communication Systems
Establishing real-time alerts between train operators and wildlife authorities could help minimize collisions. Enhanced monitoring of elephant movements can contribute to safer railway operations.
Infrastructure Enhancements
Developing wildlife-friendly railway crossings, fencing, or warning systems in critical zones can help elephants cross tracks safely while minimizing railway disruptions.
Leveraging Technology for Prevention
Countries worldwide have successfully used GPS tracking, AI-based monitoring, and infrared sensors to detect wildlife near railway tracks. Implementing similar solutions in Sri Lanka could enhance safety for both elephants and passengers.

Global Best Practices That Could Help Sri Lanka

Several countries have adopted strategies to reduce train-wildlife collisions, and Sri Lanka can explore similar solutions:

Smart Detection Systems
- India’s Kaziranga National Park uses an AI-powered alert system to notify train operators when elephants are nearby.
- A similar early warning system in Sri Lanka could improve railway safety.
Wildlife Overpasses and Underpasses
- Thailand has introduced overpasses and underpasses to provide safe crossings for elephants.
- Implementing similar structures in Sri Lanka’s high-risk areas could be a long-term solution.
Railway Route Adjustments in Sensitive Zones
- In Kenya, railway routes were modified to avoid major elephant habitats.
- While rerouting tracks in Sri Lanka may not always be possible, adjusting train speeds or schedules in elephant zones could be considered.
Thermal Cameras and Sensor-Based Speed Control
- Infrared sensors and AI-driven monitoring systems detect wildlife near railway tracks and automatically reduce train speeds.
- This approach has proven effective in preventing collisions in other regions.

Collaborative Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Protecting elephants while ensuring railway efficiency requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach. Some potential solutions include:

✅ Improved Monitoring & Communication – Establishing a real-time alert system between railway staff and wildlife authorities.
✅ Smart Speed Control Systems – Implementing AI-driven speed adjustments in sensitive zones.
✅ Infrastructure Modifications – Developing safe crossing points like underpasses, overpasses, or fenced pathways.
✅ Research & Data-Driven Strategies – Using scientific studies to guide conservation efforts and railway planning.
✅ Public Awareness & Community Engagement – Encouraging local communities and conservation groups to participate in solutions.

Final Thoughts: A Path Forward

Sri Lanka has a strong tradition of conservation and environmental stewardship. By integrating innovation, strategic planning, and collaboration, it is possible to enhance railway safety while protecting the country’s beloved elephants.

With the right strategies, both elephants and people can coexist safely, ensuring a sustainable and secure future for Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

References

Department of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lanka (2024). Annual Report on Wildlife and Railway Safety.
Ministry of Transport & Railways, Sri Lanka (2023). Railway Safety & Wildlife Conservation Guidelines.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (2023). Report on Wildlife-Friendly Transport Systems.
Asian Elephant Specialist Group (2024). Best Practices for Reducing Human-Elephant Conflict.