Koraput: Train services on the Koraput railway route in Odisha were disrupted after a high-voltage electricity tower collapsed near Maliguda railway station amid strong winds and heavy rain on Friday. The incident was followed by landslides at multiple locations, with soil and debris falling onto the railway track and affecting train operations.
The adverse weather conditions caused significant disruption along the railway corridor. According to reports, the electricity tower was initially seen bending under the impact of the strong winds before eventually collapsing.
Landslide Damages Railway Track
The situation was further complicated by landslides along the Maliguda-Chhatriput section.
Around 150 metres of soil reportedly slipped in the affected area, with portions of the railway track also sinking due to the movement of earth. The accumulation of soil and debris on the track made normal train movement unsafe.
Landslides were reported at several points along the route, prompting railway authorities to undertake immediate restoration and clearance operations.
DRM Reaches Maliguda to Monitor Restoration
Following information about the disruption, Rayagada Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Amitabh Singhal reached Maliguda and supervised the restoration operations.
Railway teams were deployed to clear the affected portions of the track and assess the damage caused by the landslide and the collapse of the electricity infrastructure.
The restoration work involved removing soil and debris from the railway track and working to make the affected sections safe for train operations.
Three Trains Cancelled
In view of the damage and ongoing restoration work, the Railways cancelled three trains operating on the affected route.
The cancelled services for Saturday include:
- Kirandul–Visakhapatnam Express
- Kirandul–Visakhapatnam Passenger
- Rourkela–Jagdalpur Intercity Express
In addition, two other trains will operate only up to Koraput instead of continuing along their scheduled routes.
The temporary changes were implemented to ensure passenger safety while restoration work continues on the affected railway sections.
Railway Teams Continue Restoration Work
Railway officials continued working to remove the landslide debris and repair the damaged portions of the track.
The sinking of parts of the railway line has added to the complexity of the restoration process, requiring officials to assess the stability of the affected sections before permitting regular train movement.
Authorities are also monitoring the weather and the possibility of further landslides, particularly in vulnerable stretches of the hilly railway corridor.
Train Services Expected to Resume After Repairs
The railway authorities have indicated that normal train services will resume after the restoration work is completed and the affected sections are declared safe for movement.
The disruption comes as several parts of southern Odisha have experienced strong winds and rainfall, increasing the risk of landslides in hilly areas and affecting road and railway connectivity.
Passengers travelling on the Koraput and adjoining routes are advised to check the latest railway updates before beginning their journey, particularly while restoration work remains underway.
