Loco Pilot Saves Lions in Gujarat Train Incident

A goods train pilot, Bhupendra Meena, saved five lions by applying emergency brakes in Gujarat’s Amreli district. The incident occurred early Wednesday on the Pipavav-Rajula section of the Gir forest. This marks the second such incident this month, with the Western Railway's Bhavnagar division acknowledging the actions of vigilant loco pilots.

In a remarkable act of vigilance, a goods train pilot in Gujarat's Amreli district averted a potential tragedy early Wednesday by saving the lives of five lions. Bhupendra Meena, the alert loco pilot, halted the train with emergency brakes on the Pipavav-Rajula section after being warned about the presence of Asiatic lions on the tracks.

The Western Railway's Bhavnagar division reported that forest department 'trackers' used torchlights to signal Meena, enabling him to bring the train to a stop and prevent harm to the lions. Remarkably, this is the second such life-saving incident this month on the same railway section.

The Bhavnagar division has credited its loco pilots with saving the lives of 60 lions since April 2024, highlighting a troubling trend where numerous lions have been injured or killed on the railway lines connecting Pipavav Port to north Gujarat. Previous incidents this year included rescuing two lions in August and 10 in June.

(With inputs from agencies.)