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DIMAPUR, MAY 7 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has intensified preventive measures to curb buffalo dashing incidents in the strategically important Lumding-Badarpur Hill Section under the Lumding Division.
According to a press release issued by NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, the initiatives are aimed at ensuring the safety of train operations as well as protecting livestock in vulnerable stretches where such incidents were frequently reported in the past.
As part of the measures, fencing work is being undertaken along approaches to major railway tunnels in the hill section to restrict the movement of buffaloes and cattle onto railway tracks.
The release informed that fencing work covering around 150 metres between Tunnel No. 16 and Bridge No. 262 on both sides of the track has already been completed. It added that fencing work near Tunnel No. 10 and Tunnel No. 12 is currently underway and is being expedited for early completion.
“These initiatives are expected to significantly reduce the chances of cattle straying onto the tracks and avoid cattle-train collision, thus improving operational safety,” the release stated.
NFR is also conducting awareness campaigns in villages located near areas prone to buffalo dashing incidents, particularly in the New Harangajao-Ditokcherra section.
Railway officials, in coordination with village councils and local residents, are sensitising people about the dangers posed by cattle and buffaloes entering railway tracks and tunnels. Pamphlets are being distributed and awareness posters are being displayed during the campaigns to encourage villagers to keep livestock away from railway tracks and railway premises.
