Bettiah: A wild bear was killed after being hit by a train on the Valmikinagar–Panihawa rail section under the Samastipur division of East Central Railway (ECR) in West Champaran district early on Monday, disrupting rail traffic for nearly two hours.According to officials, the incident occurred on railway bridge number 357 over the Bhapsa river near Adganana Tola, between Valmikinagar and Panihawa stations, close to the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR). The bear was run over by a train in the early hours and died on the spot. Its carcass remained on the tracks for some time, affecting the movement of several trains on the route.Rail operations came to a halt following the incident, forcing authorities to stop a number of trains at different stations. Among the affected trains were the Vande Bharat Express, Antyodaya Express and Sapt Kranti Express. Train movement resumed only after forest department personnel removed the carcass and the tracks were cleared.After receiving information about the incident, a forest department team rushed to the spot and carried out an inspection. The team comprised forester Rajesh Roshan, forest guard Sujit Kumar and veterinary doctor Dr Sanjeev Ranjan Kumar. Officials completed the necessary formalities before clearing the track and restoring rail services.Madanpur range officer Nasim Ahmed Ansari said efforts were underway to identify the train involved in the incident. “It is being investigated as to which train hit the bear. The matter is under detailed examination and further action will be taken as per rules after the post-mortem of the animal’s body,” Ansari said.Forest officials said a detailed report would be prepared after the investigation and post-mortem findings are completed. The incident has once again highlighted the challenge of protecting wildlife in areas located close to railway tracks passing through forested regions.
Train movement resumed only after forest department personnel removed the carcass and the tracks were cleared.
