Bhubaneswar: A month after landslides disrupted rail connectivity on the Koraput-Kirandul route, East Coast Railway (ECoR) completed restoration work at all three affected locations Thurs day night, paving the way for the resumption of goods train movement. Train services on the section had remained suspended since September 24, following landslides at multiple locations.
After completing the restoration work, the Railways permitted goods trains to operate with prescribed safety precautions and close monitoring. Passenger train services, however, will resume only after a thorough assessment of the track and railway infrastructure and the requisite safety clearance. ECoR General Manager Parameshwar Funkwal inspected the affected Maliguda stretch and reviewed the restoration work. He directed officials to prioritise the early reopening of the section while ensuring compliance with all safety requirements. Principal Chief Engineer Rajesh Sekhawat and Rayagada Divisional Railway Manager Amitabh Singhal, along with other officials, supervised the restoration round the clock. Engineering, Electrical and Signal and Telecommunications teams worked continuously to repair the damaged railway infrastructure.
The landslides affected the track between kilometre points 215/19 and 215/23 near Maliguda Rail Bridge and between 217/25 and 217/36 in the Maliguda station yard. ECoR acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the disruption, particularly to people in Bastar and adjoining areas who depend on the route for connectivity. It thanked passengers and the public for their patience and cooperation, reiterating that passenger services would resume only after the affected stretches were declared safe.