36 trains cancelled, 30 diverted as Cyclone Arnab disrupts services on Howrah–Chennai route

Train services on the Howrah-Chennai route were severely disrupted on Thursday after the swollen Bahuda river crossed the danger mark at two railway bridges in Odisha's Ganjam district following heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab, railway officials said.

As a precautionary measure, the railways cancelled 36 trains, diverted 30 and regulated or rescheduled eight others to ensure passenger safety. Several important long-distance and intercity services connecting Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and other southern states were affected.

According to officials, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) cancelled 24 trains and diverted 22, while the South Coast Railway (SCoR) cancelled 12 services and diverted eight others.

The disruption occurred in the Ichchapuram-Jhadupudi section of the Visakhapatnam division, where rising water levels at two railway bridges made train operations unsafe.

Major trains cancelled

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

The South Coast Railway also cancelled several long-distance trains, including the Shalimar-Mangaluru Vivek Express, Shalimar-Vasco da Gama Express and Howrah-SMVT Bengaluru Express.

Officials said the cancellations and diversions were necessary because of the rapid increase in river levels following continuous rainfall in the region.

"Thirty-six trains have been cancelled, and 30 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," an official said.

Railway authorities are monitoring water levels and the condition of the affected bridges before deciding when regular services can resume.

Bahuda river crosses danger mark

In a statement, the East Coast Railway said approximately 550 mm of rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab in Ganjam district had caused a sharp rise in the water level of the Bahuda river.

The swelling river affected two railway bridges along the Ichchapuram-Jhadupudi section, forcing authorities to restrict train movements.

Rainwater was also seen flowing over railway tracks in parts of Ganjam district, which was among the areas worst affected by the cyclone.

Officials said the situation was being monitored closely and that normal train operations would resume only after water levels receded and the affected section was declared safe.

Odisha government coordinates with railways

Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the state government was maintaining constant communication with railway authorities to address the disruption and minimise inconvenience to passengers.

She said the administration had advised the railways to make arrangements for stranded travellers, including alternative road transport for those undertaking short-distance journeys wherever feasible.

"We hope that the water level will recede soon and train movement will return to normal," Garg said.

The state government has also emphasised the need to ensure passenger safety while railway authorities assess the impact of flooding on the affected route.

Restoration depends on water levels

Railway officials said the restoration of services would depend on the recession of floodwaters and safety assessments of the affected bridges and tracks.

The Howrah-Chennai route is a major railway corridor connecting eastern India with the southern states, and the disruption has affected both regional and long-distance passenger movement.

Authorities said the restrictions would remain in place until the railway section was considered safe for operations, with further decisions to be taken based on changing water levels and conditions along the route.