Bettiah/Patna: A major rail accident was narrowly averted in Bihar’s West Champaran district after the Champaran Humsafar Express collided with a buffalo on a forested stretch of track inside the Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
The incident occurred late on Thursday evening near the Madanpur railway crossing, between Valmikinagar Road and Paniyahwa stations, as the Katihar–Delhi service (train number 15705) was passing through the reserve. According to eyewitness accounts, a buffalo suddenly strayed onto the track, leaving the speeding train little time to react.
Railway officials said the driver applied emergency brakes immediately after the impact, preventing a derailment and averting what could have been a serious disaster involving hundreds of passengers on board. Although the collision caused momentary panic among travellers, no injuries were reported.
Train services on the section were briefly disrupted as officials inspected the track and surrounding infrastructure to ensure it was safe for movement. Services resumed shortly afterwards.
Local sources said shepherds from nearby villages frequently cross the railway line with their cattle to access grazing areas inside the reserve. During one such crossing, the buffalo reportedly wandered onto the track and was struck by the train.
The stretch falls within the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, where the movement of both wild and domestic animals across railway lines has been a persistent safety concern. In the past, trains on this route have struck tigers, rhinos, crocodiles and other wildlife, raising repeated alarms about the risks posed by rail traffic through protected forest areas.
Although boundary walls and other barriers have been constructed along parts of the track bordering the reserve, incidents involving animals continue to be reported, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing rail connectivity with wildlife and human safety in ecologically sensitive zones.
