Cyclone Arnab: 8 Trains Cancelled in Odisha & Andhra
Cyclone Arnab is causing major rail disruptions in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. View the list of cancelled and modified train services here.
As Cyclone Arnab approaches the coasts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, Indian Railways has announced major operational changes to ensure passenger safety. The approaching storm has triggered the cancellation of eight trains and significant route modifications for several other services across the region.
Storm Forecast and Landfall Details
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone intensified into a cyclonic storm on the morning of October 26, 2026. It is currently positioned approximately 520 km southeast of Gopalpur and 540 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam.
The storm is expected to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28. Forecasters warn of sustained wind speeds ranging between 115-125 kmph, with the storm likely reaching severe cyclonic status by midnight.
List of Cancelled Train Services
To mitigate risks during the landfall, South Coast Railway (SCoR) and East Coast Railway (ECoR) have suspended several key services. The following trains have been cancelled:
- Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Night Express (18515): Cancelled from October 29 to November 4.
- Visakhapatnam–Koraput Passenger (58538): Cancelled from October 27 to October 30.
- Visakhapatnam–Koraput Intercity Express (18512): Cancelled on October 30 and October 31.
- Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Passenger (58501): Cancelled from October 27 to October 30.
- Rourkela–Jagdalpur Express (18107/18108): Suspended for various dates through early November.
- Howrah–Jagdalpur Express (18005/18006): Suspended for various dates through early November.
Route Modifications for Hirakhand Express
In addition to cancellations, certain trains are operating on modified schedules. The Hirakhand Express (18447/18448) will see the following changes:
- Bhubaneswar to Rayagada: The service leaving Bhubaneswar will be short-terminated at Rayagada from October 27 to October 30.
- Jagdalpur to Bhubaneswar: The return service will short-originate at Rayagada instead of Koraput from October 28 to October 31.
Government and IMD Alerts
IMD Director-General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra has warned that travel via rail, air, and national highways may face severe impacts due to the cyclone.
In response to the weather emergency, Union Cabinet Secretary Dr. T. V. Somnathan has reviewed national preparedness. Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has coordinated departmental responses, including the closure of schools and colleges in the most affected districts. Passengers are strongly advised to check official Indian Railways advisories for real-time updates before planning their journeys.