Vande Bharat, Visakha Express & 7 more trains cancelled, 14 diverted after Cyclone Arnab triggers flood scare in Odisha: Check affected services

Cyclone Arnab has disrupted train operations on the Howrah-Chennai route, with nine trains cancelled and 14 diverted on Thursday after the Bahuda river crossed the danger mark near two railway bridges in Odisha's Ganjam district. The East Coast Railway said services were affected in the Ichchapuram-Jhadupudi section of the Visakhapatnam Division after water levels rose above the danger mark at two bridges. Train operations will resume once water levels recede and the affected section is declared safe.

Among the services cancelled were the Vande Bharat Express between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam, the Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Intercity Express and the Visakha Express, which connects Bhubaneswar with Secunderabad in Telangana.

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Cyclone Arnab: Why have train services been disrupted in Odisha?

Heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab has caused the Bahuda river to swell, affecting railway infrastructure in Ganjam district. According to the East Coast Railway, the district received 550 mm of rainfall, leading to a sharp rise in the river's water level. The water level at Baghalati Dam on the Bahuda river also crossed the danger mark following the downpour.

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As a result, water levels rose above the danger mark at railway bridges along the Ichchapuram-Jhadupudi section, prompting authorities to restrict train movements as a precautionary measure.

The disruption has affected services operating along the busy Howrah-Chennai route, with railway officials monitoring conditions before allowing normal operations to resume.

Which trains have been cancelled and diverted?

The East Coast Railway confirmed that nine trains had been cancelled and 14 others diverted to ensure passenger safety.

The major cancelled services include:

• Vande Bharat Express between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam
• Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Intercity Express
• Visakha Express between Bhubaneswar and Secunderabad

Several other trains operating on the affected route have also been diverted. Passengers are advised to check the latest updates from the railway authorities before travelling, as services remain subject to changes depending on weather and track conditions.

An East Coast Railway official said, "Nine trains have been cancelled, and 14 others diverted to ensure passenger safety. Railway officials are closely monitoring the situation. Train services will be restored once the water level recedes and the section is declared safe for train operations."

Railways arrange food and water for stranded passengers

The disruption has left passengers stranded at different locations, prompting the railways to arrange essential assistance.

The East Coast Railway said food and drinking water were being provided to affected passengers. Additional staff have also been deployed to guide travellers, address their grievances and provide necessary assistance.

Railway officials are continuing to monitor water levels around the affected bridges. Normal train operations will resume only after the water recedes and the section is considered safe for train movement.


Inputs from PTI