Severe monsoon rains in Telangana disrupted train services on Wednesday evening after breaches were reported on railway tracks between Bhiknur and Tadmadla in the Medchal–Nizamabad section, and between Akanapet and Medak. The South Central Railway (SCR) has launched an urgent restoration drive, deploying special trains with repair material to prevent further damage and restore safe movement of trains.
According to officials, incessant rainfall led to water overflowing onto critical stretches of track, making it unsafe for operations. In response, SCR immediately streamlined services on the Nizamabad–Medchal route by cancelling, partially cancelling, diverting and rescheduling trains. At least 10 trains were cancelled, eight partially cancelled, while 16 others were diverted via alternative routes. Two more were rescheduled. To speed up restoration, a Disaster Management and Response Control Room has been established at Rail Nilayam in Secunderabad. Senior officials have been monitoring the situation round the clock. A high-level engineering team was also rushed to the affected stretches to assess the extent of damage and finalise an action plan for repair.
Two “monsoon specials” laden with sandbags, boulders, girders and sleepers have already been dispatched to the affected stretches. The first, comprising 14 wagons, departed from Purna junction towards Tadmadla–Bhiknur, while another with 28 wagons left Kazipet for the Nizamabad section. Officials on the ground confirmed that restoration is being treated as a matter of utmost urgency given the disruption to both long-distance and regional services. The railway administration has also instructed pantry car managers on diverted trains to ensure uninterrupted supply of food and drinking water to passengers facing extended journey times. Dedicated helpline numbers have been activated in Nizamabad, Kamareddi, Kacheguda and Secunderabad to assist stranded travellers and provide real-time updates.
Among the affected services are long-distance trains connecting Mumbai, Hyderabad, Rameswaram, Parbhani and Raichur. Several express trains including the Rayalaseema Express and Ajanta Express have been either cancelled or diverted via Karimnagar, Peddapalli and Parli Vaijnath. Officials assured that updates on services for 28 August will be issued after further inspection of tracks. Monsoon-related disruptions are not new to the South Central Railway, but this year’s heavy downpour has once again highlighted the need for climate-resilient transport infrastructure. Experts believe that investment in eco-friendly engineering solutions such as rainwater harvesting, embankment stabilisation and sustainable drainage systems will be critical to minimise future damage and ensure uninterrupted passenger mobility.
For now, passengers travelling through Hyderabad and adjoining districts have been advised to check train schedules before commencing journeys. Restoration teams continue to work through the night, with SCR emphasising that safety remains its highest priority.
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