Cyclone ‘Arnab’: ECoR Intensifies Safety Measures, Arranges Assistance for Stranded Passengers

Bhubaneswar, October 29, 2026:
Following cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’, heavy rainfall of around 550 mm has led to a sharp rise in water levels in the Bahuda River in Ganjam district. The water level at Baghalati Dam on the Bahuda River has crossed the danger mark following heavy rainfall, leading to a rise in water levels at the railway bridge between Ichchapuram (IPM) and Jhadupudi (JPI), where the water level has also crossed the danger mark.

In view of the prevailing situation, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has taken several precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety and prevent any untoward incidents. Special attention is being given to passenger safety at various stations, while several trains operating on the Howrah–Chennai route have been diverted in view of the situation.

ECoR is in constant touch with the district administration to obtain regular updates on water levels and assess the evolving situation. A high-level meeting with the State Government has been held to review the situation and coordinate necessary measures to ensure the safety of railway operations and passengers.

With passengers stranded at different locations due to the disruption, ECoR is making arrangements to provide essential assistance, including food and drinking water. Additional manpower, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) have been deployed to guide passengers, address their grievances and provide necessary assistance.

ECoR is closely monitoring the evolving situation through social media, Rail Madad and other available channels to track passenger grievances and ensure that necessary decisions are taken at the earliest. Railway officials are also working to keep passengers informed about changes in train operations.

Updates regarding train services are being shared regularly through official communication channels, social media handles, mobile applications and the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) to provide passengers with the latest information.
East Coast Railway requests passengers to cooperate with the railway administration during this challenging situation and follow updates issued through official channels. Passengers are advised to check the latest train status before commencing their journeys and remain tuned to ECoR’s official social media handles for further information.

Train Services Cancelled and Diverted Due to Waterlogging in Ichchapuram–Jhadupudi Section

Bhubaneswar, October 29, 2026

Train services in the Ichchapuram–Jhadupudi section of Visakhapatnam Division have been affected due to water flowing above the danger level over Bridge Nos. 631/01 and 630/01. In the interest of passenger safety, some trains have been cancelled and some trains diverted today. Further, two trains are cancelled owing to the prevailing cyclone situation, as notified earlier.

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.
Trains Cancelled
A total of 9 trains stand cancelled.
• 20841 Bhubaneswar – Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express on 29.10.2026.
• 22819 Bhubaneswar New – Visakhapatnam Intercity Express on 29.10.2026.
• 17015 Bhubaneswar New – Secunderabad Visakha Express (cancelled for cyclone) on 29.10.2026.
• 58531 Brahmapur – Visakhapatnam Passenger on 29.10.2026.
• 58532 Visakhapatnam – Bhubaneswar Passenger on 29.10.2026.
• 18525 Brahmapur – Visakhapatnam Express on 29.10.2026.
• 12703 Howrah – Secunderabad Falaknuma Express (cancelled for cyclone, as previously notified)
• 18447 Bhubaneswar – Jagdalpur Hirakhand Express on 29.10.2026.
• 18448 Jagdalpur – Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express on 30.10.2026
Trains Diverted

A total of 14 trains will be diverted via alternative routes.
• 19022 Brahmapur-Udhna Amrit Bharat express will be diverted via Angul-Sambalpur-Titlagarh-Lakholi instead of its scheduled route.
• 18463 Bhubaneswar-Bangaluru Prasanthi express will be diverted via Angul-Sambapur-Rayagada-Vizianagaram instead of its scheduled route.
• 12863 Howrah-SMVB Bengaluru express will be diverted via Angul-Sambalpur-Rayagada-Vizianagaram instead of its scheduled route.
• 12254 Bhagalpur-Yesvantpur Anga express will be diverted via Angul-Sambapur-Rayagada-Vizianagaram instead of its scheduled route.
• 12660 Shalimar- Nagercoil Gurudev express will be diverted via Angul-Sambapur-Rayagada-Vizianagaram instead of its scheduled route.
• 06566 Malda Town-SMVB express will be diverted via Kapilas Road- Angul-Sambapur-Rayagada-Vizianagaram instead of its scheduled route.
• 20610 Tiruchchirapalli Jn-New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat express will be diverted via Vizianagaram-Titlagarh-Jharsuguda-Kharagpur instead of its scheduled route.
• 22864 SMVB-Howrah AC express will be diverted via Vizianagaram-Titlagarh-Jharsuguda-Kharagpur instead of its scheduled route.
• 12704 Secunderabad-Howrah Falaknuma SF express will be diverted via Vizianagaram-Titlagarh-Sambalpur-Angul-Cuttack instead of its scheduled route.
• 16523 SMVB-Balurghat express will be diverted via Vizianagaram-Titlagarh-Sambalpur-Angul-Cuttack instead of its scheduled route.
• 17480 Tirupati-Puri express will be diverted via Vizianagaram-Sambalpur- Naraj Marhapur-Khurda Road instead of its scheduled route.
• 17016 Secunderabad-Bhubaneswar Visakha express will be diverted via Vizianagarm-Sambalpur-Bhubaneswar instead of its scheduled route.
• 12864 SMVB-Howrah express will be diverted via Vizianagarm-Titlagarh-Jharsuguda-Kharagpur instead of its scheduled route.
• 22606 Tirunelveli-Purulia express will be diverted via Vizianagarm-Titlagarh-Jharsuguda-Kharagpur instead of its scheduled route.

Passengers are advised to take note of these changes while planning their journeys. For the latest train related updates, passengers may visit the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or check the official Indian Railways website before commencing their journey.