Odisha has ordered transport authorities to block unsafe roads, submerged bridges and overflowing routes as Cyclone Arnab brings the risk of heavy rain, strong winds, waterlogging and road disruption across the state. The precautionary measures are intended to prevent vehicles from entering dangerous stretches and to keep emergency transport operations functioning during the cyclone period.
In a directive issued by transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur, regional transport officers, additional RTOs and enforcement officials were asked to work immediately with district collectors, police and road agencies. The agencies must identify flooded low-lying roads, submerged bridges and landslide-prone stretches, and ensure effective barricading and restrictions on vehicular movement.
“No vehicle shall be allowed to cross an overflowing road or submerged bridge,” Thakur said in the directive, according to the Times of India report. The order warned that heavy rainfall, landslides, waterlogging, uprooted trees and damage to roads could create serious risks for passengers, drivers and other road users, particularly during night hours.
The transport department has also instructed bus and truck owners’ associations, transport operators and terminal managers to communicate route diversions and movement restrictions to drivers. Passengers are to be informed promptly about cancelled or disrupted services, while district administrations issue orders affecting specific routes.
The instructions follow preparedness measures from the state’s special relief commissioner and place regional transport offices within the wider disaster-response system. RTOs have been directed to coordinate with district emergency operation centres and monitor road conditions through round-the-clock control rooms. The control rooms will provide updates on blocked routes, diversions and the movement of essential vehicles.
Enforcement teams are to remain on alert and increase patrolling along highways and other vulnerable stretches. Cranes, recovery vehicles and additional emergency resources will be positioned at strategic locations to assist stranded vehicles and clear road blockages. The deployment is intended to reduce the time required to respond when flooding, fallen trees or other cyclone-related obstacles disrupt traffic.
The order also requires RTOs to prepare lists of buses and goods vehicles that can be deployed for evacuation, relief distribution and the movement of essential supplies. This places private transport capacity within the state’s emergency logistics plan, alongside route monitoring and restrictions on ordinary traffic.
For residents and transport operators, the immediate operational impact will be the possible closure of roads and bridges identified as unsafe by district authorities. The directive does not specify a single statewide list of closures; restrictions are expected to be communicated locally as conditions change. District-level coordination between transport officials, police, road agencies and emergency control rooms will determine which routes remain open and where diversions are required.
The transport department’s next steps are to maintain patrols, operate control rooms, position recovery equipment and keep vehicles available for evacuation and relief duties throughout the cyclone response period.
