Bhavnagar news is once again highlighting the commendable efforts of railway pilots who are playing a crucial role in protecting wildlife. A recent incident in Bhavnagar Division of Western Railway has brought attention to the dedication and alertness of train pilots, who successfully saved the lives of five lions, including three cubs. This incident is a shining example of how constant vigilance and coordination between the Railways and the Forest Department are safeguarding the precious wildlife of Gujarat.
Bhavnagar Division’s Continuous Efforts for Wildlife Safety
The Western Railway’s Bhavnagar Division has been making continuous efforts to ensure the safety of lions and other wild animals. Train pilots in this division operate their trains with extra caution, strictly adhering to the prescribed speed limits. This special vigilance has been yielding positive results in saving the lives of animals that often stray onto railway tracks.
According to reports, during the financial year 2024-25, the Bhavnagar Division, in coordination with forest trackers from the Forest Department, successfully saved the lives of 159 lions. In the ongoing financial year 2025-26, till now, 29 lions have been rescued from potential accidents on railway tracks. These statistics clearly reflect the dedication and seriousness with which Bhavnagar Division handles wildlife safety.
How Two Alert Pilots Saved 5 Lions on August 4, 2025
The most recent incident occurred on August 4, 2025, on the Junagadh-Veraval meter gauge section. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Bhavnagar Division, Atul Kumar Tripathi, provided detailed information about this life-saving event. He mentioned that locomotive pilot Baliram Kumar and assistant loco pilot Hardeep Garla were operating passenger train number 52946. As their train approached the railway track between kilometer markers 11/01-11/02, the pilots noticed something unusual.
To their surprise, they saw a lion, a lioness, and their three cubs sleeping peacefully on the railway track. Recognizing the extreme danger this posed to the animals, both pilots immediately took action. They applied the emergency brakes and brought the train to a complete halt well before reaching the lions.
Immediate Action Prevents a Tragedy
Thanks to the quick thinking and alertness of these pilots, a potential tragedy was averted. The pilots promptly informed the train manager about the situation. The information was then passed on to the Forest Department’s track monitoring team, also known as forest trackers. Acting swiftly, the trackers arrived at the scene and carefully guided the lions away from the railway tracks, ensuring their safety.
Once the area was clear and it was confirmed that no animals were near the tracks, the train was allowed to resume its journey. This incident stands as a testament to the seamless coordination between the railway staff and forest officials, which is crucial for wildlife conservation in the region.
Officials Applaud the Pilots’ Brave and Responsible Act
Upon receiving news of this heroic act, Bhavnagar Division’s Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Dinesh Verma, along with Additional Divisional Railway Manager Himanshu Sharma and other senior officials, praised the efforts of both pilots. Their timely action not only saved the lives of five lions but also set a benchmark in responsible train operations in wildlife-sensitive zones.
The DRM emphasized that such vigilance by loco pilots is a vital part of Bhavnagar Division’s commitment to wildlife conservation. He acknowledged that the protection of Gujarat’s pride – the Asiatic lions – requires coordinated efforts from all sectors, including Railways, Forest Department, and local communities.
Also read: New Bhavnagar to Ayodhya Train Service to Start from August 3, 2025
A Big Step in Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Bhavnagar Division’s proactive measures have become an important part of Gujarat’s wildlife conservation strategy. Incidents like these not only prevent accidents but also spread awareness about the coexistence of human development and wildlife preservation. The Gir Forest and its surrounding areas are home to hundreds of Asiatic lions, making it necessary for infrastructure projects, such as railway operations, to adopt wildlife-friendly practices.
From patrolling sensitive tracks to setting up communication systems with forest trackers, the Railways are working on multiple fronts to ensure that lions and other animals are kept out of harm’s way. The recent rescue of five lions is just one of many examples of how these efforts are making a real difference.
Bhavnagar News Continues to Shine with Stories of Heroism and Responsibility
This story of Bhavnagar Division’s loco pilots has been widely appreciated and has become a proud moment for the entire region. It showcases how the people working on the ground, with their presence of mind and dedication, are silently contributing to the preservation of Gujarat’s rich wildlife heritage.
As Bhavnagar news continues to bring such inspiring stories to the forefront, it reminds us that every small effort counts when it comes to protecting the environment and its inhabitants. Whether it’s a pilot applying brakes at the right time or a forest tracker guiding animals to safety, these actions are paving the way for a future where development and conservation go hand in hand.