Pipavav: A freight train’s loco pilot saved the lives of a pride of 10 lions while they were resting on railway tracks near Pipavav Port. The incident occurred early in the morning when the loco pilot applied emergency brakes upon spotting the lions.

As per directives from the Railway Board, loco pilots are operating trains at specified speeds and exercising caution.

Mukesh Kumar Meena, the loco pilot of a freight train traveling from Pipavav Port Station to Pipavav Port Siding, noticed a pride of lions on the tracks and promptly applied emergency brakes to halt the train. After ensuring the safety of the 10 lions that had been on the tracks, the loco pilot continued the journey to Pipavav port siding and reported the incident to the Divisional Office Control.

In another incident reported from 9 pm on Sunday to 4 am on Monday, a group of seven lions ventured onto the tracks between Rajula and Port Pipavav up to four times, resulting in multiple halts of goods trains.

Jayen Patel, deputy conservator of forest, Shetrunji range, stated, “A group of seven lions, including a female and six sub-adults, entered the track area four times. Following our precautionary instructions to the railways, trains were halted and we escorted the lions away from the tracks.” DeshGujarat