Heavy rainfall from Cyclone Arnab caused water levels to rise above the danger mark at railway bridges near Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi, disrupting train services.
Railway authorities cancelled several trains, diverted long-distance services and altered passenger train operations as a precautionary measure.
A special train between Visakhapatnam and Palasa was arranged to assist stranded passengers, while railway officials continued monitoring water levels.

Description

Railway Services Disrupted After Heavy Rainfall

Train services in the Visakhapatnam Railway Division were disrupted on October 29 after heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab caused flooding near Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi, close to the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha border.

According to The Hindu, water levels rose above the danger mark at railway bridges in the affected section after a nearby rivulet overflowed. The situation forced railway authorities to cancel, divert and short-terminate several passenger and express trains to protect passengers and railway infrastructure.

The disruption affected services operating along the busy Howrah–Chennai railway corridor.

Several Trains Cancelled

Railway authorities cancelled multiple services scheduled to operate on October 29 because of the flooding and prevailing weather conditions.

Among the affected services were:

• Brahmapur–Visakhapatnam Passenger

• Brahmapur–Visakhapatnam Express

• Visakhapatnam–Brahmapur Passenger

• Bhubaneswar–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express

• Bhubaneswar–Visakhapatnam Intercity Express

• Bhubaneswar–Secunderabad Visakha Express

Other services were also affected by cancellations or changes to their scheduled operations. The list of affected trains may change as railway authorities assess the situation.

Long-Distance Trains Diverted

Several long-distance trains were rerouted through alternative railway sections to avoid the flooded stretch.

The diversions affected trains travelling between destinations in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and other parts of India. Some services were also short-terminated or rescheduled, requiring passengers to revise their travel plans.

Railway authorities said normal operations would resume only after water levels receded and the affected railway sections were declared safe.

Special Train Arranged for Stranded Passengers

To assist passengers affected by the disruption, railway authorities arranged a special train service between Visakhapatnam and Palasa.

Helpline desks were also established at major stations, including Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, to provide travel information and assistance.

Additional railway personnel were deployed to guide passengers and address their concerns. Authorities also arranged food and drinking water for passengers stranded at different locations.

Cyclone Arnab Raises Safety Concerns Along Rail Routes

The flooding near Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi highlights the impact of intense rainfall on railway infrastructure, particularly in areas near rivers and other water bodies.

Railway officials are monitoring water levels and inspecting affected sections before permitting normal train movements. Passenger safety remains the priority while restoration and assessment work continues.

Passengers Advised to Check Train Status

Passengers travelling between Visakhapatnam, Odisha and other destinations along the East Coast railway network should verify their train's running status before leaving for the station.

Travellers can check updates through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES), official railway announcements or railway enquiry number 139.

Passengers are advised to avoid relying on older schedules, as cancellations, diversions and departure times may change depending on weather and track conditions.