Bhubaneswar: East Coast Railway (ECoR) has intensified safety measures, cancelled nine trains and diverted 14 others following cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’ and heavy rainfall that triggered a sharp rise in water levels in the Bahuda River in Odisha’s Ganjam district, disrupting train services on the Howrah-Chennai route.
The water level at Baghalati Dam on the Bahuda River has crossed the danger mark following heavy rainfall of around 550 mm. Water levels have also risen above the danger mark at the railway bridge between Ichchapuram (IPM) and Jhadupudi (JPI), prompting the railway authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety.
Train services in the Ichchapuram-Jhadupudi section of the Visakhapatnam Division have been affected due to water flowing above the danger level over Bridge Nos. 631/01 and 630/01.
In view of the prevailing situation, ECoR has cancelled and diverted several trains to prevent any untoward incidents. Railway officials are closely monitoring water levels and the overall situation, and services will be restored once the water recedes and the affected section is declared safe for train operations.
According to ECoR sources, nine trains have been cancelled October 29, while the 18448 Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express has been cancelled for October 30.
The trains cancelled October 29 are:
20841 Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express 22819 Bhubaneswar New-Visakhapatnam Intercity Express, Bhubaneswar New-Secunderabad Visakha Express – cancelled due to the cyclone situation,58531 Brahmapur-Visakhapatnam Passenger,58532 Visakhapatnam-Bhubaneswar Passenger,18525 Brahmapur-Visakhapatnam Express,12703 Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express and18447 Bhubaneswar-Jagdalpur Hirakhand Express
The railway authorities have also announced the cancellation of the 18448 Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express October 30. ECoR said a total of 14 trains had been diverted through alternative routes in view of the prevailing conditions.
With passengers stranded at various locations due to the disruption, ECoR has made arrangements to provide essential assistance, including food and drinking water.
Additional manpower, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) have been deployed at affected locations to guide passengers, address their grievances and provide necessary assistance.
The railway administration is also giving special attention to passenger safety at stations and coordinating with the district administration to obtain regular updates on water levels and assess the evolving situation.
A high-level meeting with the State Government has been held to review the situation and coordinate measures to ensure the safety of railway operations and passengers.
ECoR is closely monitoring passenger grievances through social media, Rail Madad and other available channels to ensure that necessary decisions are taken promptly. Railway officials are also working to keep passengers informed about changes in train operations.
Updates on train cancellations, diversions and other operational changes are being shared through official communication channels, social media handles, mobile applications and the National Train Enquiry System (NTES).
The railway authorities have advised passengers to check the latest train status before commencing their journeys and to follow updates issued through ECoR’s official channels.
ECoR has appealed to passengers to cooperate with the railway administration during the disruption and remain alert to further advisories. Train services in the affected section will resume once the water level recedes and the track and bridges are certified safe for operations.