Around 8 passenger trains cancelled for three days due to elephant movements between Jharkhand, Odisha — UPSC Current Affairs | December 21, 2025
Around 8 passenger trains cancelled for three days due to elephant movements between Jharkhand, Odisha
Several passenger trains have been cancelled in the Chakradharpur division of South Eastern Railway due to elephant movement, highlighting the challenges of infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive areas. This incident underscores the need for sustainable solutions to mitigate human-animal conflict and protect wildlife corridors, relevant for UPSC GS3 Environment and Infrastructure topics.
Overview Due to the movement of elephants near railway tracks, over half a dozen passenger trains under the Chakradharpur division of South Eastern Railway will remain cancelled for three days, starting Sunday, December 22, 2025 . This disruption highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing infrastructure development with wildlife conservation. Key Developments Cancellation Period: The Memu train services will be cancelled between December 22 and December 24, 2025 . Location of Elephant Movement: A herd of elephants has been observed near the rail tracks between the Chakradharpur (Jharkhand) and Jharsuguda (Odisha) section, particularly near Bandamunda during the night. Impact on Train Services: The movement of elephants is causing train services to slow down, leading to traffic congestion and delays. Cancelled Train Services The following train services will remain cancelled due to elephant movements: 68025/68026 (Ckp-Rou-Ckp) 68043/68044 (Tata-Rou-Tata) 18175/18176 (Hte-Jsg-Hte) 68029/68030 (Rou-Jsg-Rou) 58151/58152 (Brmp-Bxf-Brmp) PASS 68125/68126 (Tata-Bbn-Tata) MEMU 68019/68020 (Tata-Gua-Tata) Memu 68010/68009/68006 (Ckp-Tata-Kgp-Ckp) Memu UPSC Relevance This event is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly under GS Paper III (Environment and Infrastructure) . It highlights the challenges of infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive zones and the need for sustainable solutions to mitigate human-animal conflict. The incident also touches upon aspects of disaster management and ethical considerations related to wildlife conservation. Potential Exam Questions Discuss the environmental impact of railway infrastructure projects in India. Analyze the measures taken by the Indian Railways to mitigate human-animal conflict. Evaluate the role of technology in monitoring and preventing wildlife-related disruptions to transportation services. Key Stakeholders South Eastern Railway: Responsible for managing and maintaining railway infrastructure in the region. Forest Department: Tasked with managing wildlife and mitigating human-animal conflict. Local Communities: Affected by both the train disruptions and the presence of elephants.