The Southern Railway today said that constructing a separate elephant crossing corridor or a subway would be a permanent solution to prevent rail accidents involving elephants.

Responding to the killing of a female elephant early this morning by a speeding train between the Ettimadai and Madukkarai stations, the Southern Railway in a press release pointed out to the lack of funds to construct the Rs. 30 crore corridor.

“A proposal was made and the forest department is finding it difficult to fund the required money. Railways are open to funds from MPLAD scheme or even through CSR,” the release said.

Various efforts to clear the bushes near the tracks to increase the visibility, operating trains at less than 40km speed, installing signboards and solar power LEDs to prevent animals from entering the tracks have been taken to prevent such unfortunate incidents.

“The incident happened at around one-and-a-half kilometres away from the Madukkarai station towards Ettimadai in the A line, connecting Podanur and Palakkad junction while the trian was moving at 35 to 40 km speed,” the release added.

It further stated that the engine driver had tried to apply the brakes, “but unfortunately the elephant was too close.”