Measures taken to prevent future elephant collisions with trains

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

Following the death of six elephants at the 141-mile post on the Gal Oya-Hingurakgoda railway line last night, a special discussion was held in Parliament by the Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation ministry to determine measures to prevent future elephant collisions. During the discussions, several key decisions were made, including clearing both sides of the railway tracks in high-risk areas to improve visibility, utilizing the latest digital technologies, involving community groups directly in addressing the issue, installing lighting systems on trains that extend forward and to the sides, and considering the use of white lights instead of yellow lights.  

The discussion was attended by Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake, Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister, Housing Deputy Minister T. B. Sarath, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura District Councilors, and senior officers from all the aforementioned institutions.  

As the second phase of this initiative, all parties agreed to visit the accident site on Saturday (22) morning for a comprehensive inspection and to implement the proposed measures along with any additional necessary actions.