Forest officials sensitise loco pilots to elephant behaviour

IN an effort to sensitise loco pilots to elephant behaviour, the state forest department has started taking classes.

- S SENTHIL KUMAR

A group of loco pilots working under the Palakkad railway division has been attending the classes every week at the Puthuppathy control room.

Sources said between Walayar and Madukkarai railway stations, a three-kilometre stretch in railway line B and a 1.8 km stretch in railway line A have been identified as crucial points where elephants move frequently. Though the speed restrictions for trains is 45 km/h at night, loco pilots reduce it further to prevent mishap.