An online petition that was started to suggest the Central Government to construct an elephant corridor named after Madukkarai Maharaj was gaining momentum on social media, with thousands signing up to show their support.

The petition was launched on June 24, by Help Our Precious Elephants (HOPE), a Facebook group consisting of nature enthusiasts, after a cow elephant was killed by a speeding train on the Madukkarai-Palakkad railway line.

While the initial aim was to gather a thousand signatures for the petition, and forwarding the same to forest department of the State and Central Governments, around 3560 supporters have signed up demanding the construction of the corridor.

The post read: “The Elephants of Madukarai, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, are being killed by speeding trains. The elephants must cross these tracks to follow their ancient path that they have in their memory, as they have followed this path for generations.”

The team had also added in the post that the ancient paths of elephants have been blocked by humans in the name of development. Hence, the team had invited supporters to demand both the State and Central Governments construct a Corridor Bridge over the tracks to help the animals cross over without being hit by speeding trains.

In addition to reducing the speed of trains, while passing through the area, from 30–40 km to 20 km per hour, they have also suggested that the corridor be named the Maharaj Elephant Corridor, “in memory and tribute to the elephant that was captured, and killed from this area. This was his area, where he and his herd roamed.”

Over 20 elephants have been reportedly killed in the area in past 15 years.