Cyclone Arnab Disrupts Howrah-Chennai Train Services in Odisha

Cyclone Arnab Disrupts Howrah-Chennai Train Services in Odisha

Cyclone Arnab has disrupted train services on the Howrah-Chennai route. Nine trains stand cancelled and 14 others have been diverted on Thursday. The disruptions followed after the Bahuda river crossed the danger mark at two railway bridges in Odisha’s Ganjam district, officials said.

Multiple Trains Cancelled and Diverted

The Vande Bharat Express between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam is among the cancelled services. The Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Intercity Express and the Visakha Express, which connects Bhubaneswar with Secunderabad in Telangana, have also been cancelled. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) confirmed these cancellations.

Train operations have been affected in the Ichchapuram-Jhadupudi section of the Visakhapatnam division. Water levels rose above the danger mark at two bridges along the route. An official said nine trains have been cancelled and 14 others diverted to ensure passenger safety. Railway officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Services will resume once the water level recedes and the section is declared safe for train operations.

Heavy Rainfall Raises River Levels

The East Coast Railway stated that Ganjam district received 550 mm of rainfall due to Cyclone Arnab. This caused the Bahuda river’s water level to rise sharply. Water levels at the Baghalati Dam on the Bahuda river crossed the danger mark after the heavy rainfall. As a result, water levels increased near the railway bridges between Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi. This affected train movement in the section.

Officials have taken precautionary measures to protect passengers. Several trains operating on the Howrah-Chennai route have been diverted.

Support Arranged for Affected Passengers

Passengers remain stranded at different locations because of the disruption. Railway authorities have arranged food and drinking water for them. Additional personnel have also been deployed to guide passengers, address their concerns, and provide assistance, the East Coast Railway said.

Train services in the affected section will resume after water levels recede. Railway officials will first confirm that the tracks and bridges are safe for operations.