Cyclone Arnab: 36 Trains Cancelled & 30 Diverted in Odisha
Cyclone Arnab causes massive rail disruptions in Odisha. 36 trains cancelled and 30 diverted due to track submersion and flooding.
The relentless fury of Cyclone Arnab has thrown railway operations into chaos across the Howrah-Chennai route. As severe weather conditions batter Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, authorities have been forced to implement massive disruptions to ensure passenger safety amidst the storm.
As of October 30, 2026, officials have confirmed that 36 trains have been cancelled, while an additional 30 trains are being diverted. Furthermore, 8 services have been regulated or rescheduled as a precautionary measure due to the escalating weather crisis.
Tracks Submerged as Bahuda River Breaches Danger Level
The rail chaos was triggered by record-breaking rainfall, with a staggering 550 millimeters recorded in the region. This extreme downpour caused the Bahuda River in the Ganjam district to breach its danger levels. The flooding has specifically hit the Ichchapuram-Jadupudi section, where two railway bridges have been overwhelmed, leading to the complete submersion of tracks.
Major Trains Impacted by the Cyclone
Commuters on several high-profile services are facing significant travel hurdles. The following trains have been notably affected by the flooding and cancellations:
- Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express
- Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Intercity Express
- Visakha Express
- Hirakhand Express (which has undergone changes to its originating and terminating stations)
Emergency Response and Government Action
As the state battles the storm, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has issued strict directives to prioritize the restoration of essential services, including electricity, drinking water, and communication infrastructure. To manage the disaster, over 300 teams from the ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services have been deployed to conduct rescue operations across nine flood-affected districts.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also engaged with the Chief Minister to ensure that necessary central assistance is provided as recovery efforts continue. On the ground, the East Coast Railway and South Central Railway are working to support stranded passengers by providing food and water.
Traveler Advisory: Check Status Before Heading Out
With the situation still evolving, railway authorities strongly advise all passengers to verify the current status of their trains before proceeding to the station. Travelers can check real-time updates via the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or by calling the official helpline at 139.
Regular rail traffic is expected to resume only once water levels recede and thorough safety inspections of the submerged tracks are completed by railway officials.