Cyclone Arnab has disrupted train services on the Howrah–Chennai route after the Bahuda river crossed the danger mark at two railway bridges in Odisha’s Ganjam district, prompting the cancellation of nine trains and diversion of 14 others, railway officials said on Thursday.
The affected services include the Vande Bharat Express operating between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam, the Bhubaneswar–Visakhapatnam Intercity Express and the Visakha Express, which connects Bhubaneswar with Secunderabad in Telangana. The East Coast Railway said train operations were affected in the Ichchapuram–Jhadupudi section of the Visakhapatnam Division.
Water was flowing above the danger level at two bridges along the section, leading railway authorities to restrict normal operations as a precautionary measure. The disruption affects a key rail corridor connecting eastern and southern parts of the country, with passengers travelling through Odisha facing cancellations, diversions and delays.
“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,” an official said.
The East Coast Railway said Ganjam district received 550 mm of rainfall because of Cyclone Arnab, causing the Bahuda river’s water level to rise sharply. The water level at Baghalati Dam on the Bahuda river also crossed the danger mark following the heavy rainfall, contributing to the rise in water levels near the railway bridges between Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi.
The incident highlights the operational vulnerability of railway bridges and track sections during intense rainfall, when river levels can rise rapidly and affect the safety clearance required for train movement. In this case, the railway authorities said the cancellations and diversions were undertaken to protect passengers while water remained above the prescribed danger level.
Passengers were stranded at different locations following the changes to train operations. The railways said it had arranged food and drinking water for affected passengers. Additional personnel were deployed to guide travellers, respond to grievances and provide assistance at locations affected by the disruption.
The East Coast Railway said its officials were monitoring the situation closely. Services on the affected section will resume after the water level recedes and the route is inspected and declared safe for train operations.
