Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Sunday that the Centre has asked for a report on the death of elephants hit by a train in Assam’s Hojai district. On Saturday, eight elephants were killed after a herd was struck by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express. Five coaches and the train engine derailed in the accident. Speaking after a meeting on Project Elephant and the National Tiger Conservation Authority in West Bengal, Mr. Yadav said, "The railway authorities have been directed to coordinate with the forest departments of States on elephant movement along the tracks. A report on elephant deaths in Assam has been sought." He stressed the need for coordination between train drivers and forest officials. District magistrates have also been told to keep forest departments updated about elephant movements along highways. A team involving the Divisional Railway Manager, the Divisional Forest Officer, and local people has been formed in Assam and other areas where train lines cross elephant habitats. Mr. Yadav noted that India has 1,100 elephant accident zones where such safety measures are necessary. He also highlighted funding for wildlife projects: ₹112 crore for the Sundarbans tiger project and ₹344 crore for elephant conservation over five years, though most funds remain unspent. He called for better promotion of the Sundarbans, a rich ecological zone of 2,500 sq km with diverse species and a popular tourist spot, to balance ecology and development. "This should be looked into by the State," he said.