Cyclone Arnab: 22 Trains Cancelled; Check Hirakhand Express Updates
Cyclone Arnab disrupts rail services. 22 trains, including Hirakhand Express, are cancelled or rescheduled. Check NTES for latest updates.
The impact of Cyclone Arnab has caused significant disruptions across the railway network, leading to the cancellation or suspension of at least 22 express and passenger train services. These operational changes are scheduled to take effect between October 27 and November 5, 2026, as the storm affects coastal and inland transit routes.
Major Train Cancellations and Rescheduling
Railway authorities have had to adjust several key services to ensure safety during the cyclonic activity. The following disruptions have been reported:
- Visakhapatnam-Kirandul and Rourkela-Jagdalpur services: A majority of these services are cancelled between October 29 and November 4.
- Howrah-Jagdalpur Samaleswari Express: The departure dates for this service have been modified due to the weather conditions.
Hirakhand Express Route Adjustments
Passengers traveling on the Hirakhand Express should be aware of temporary changes to the train's route and termination points:
- Bhubaneswar-Jagdalpur Hirakhand Express: This service will terminate at Rayagada from October 27 to October 30.
- Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express: This train will now begin its journey from Rayagada instead of Jagdalpur from October 28 to October 31.
Cyclone Status and Emergency Response
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, specifically between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, on Wednesday morning. While the system was initially a very severe cyclonic storm, it has since been downgraded to a severe cyclonic storm and is expected to continue losing intensity.
In response to the landfall, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed four additional teams to Andhra Pradesh. Local authorities, including the SDRF and district-level response teams, remain actively engaged in disaster management. While high-intensity waves have caused damage to the Uppada coastal road near Kakinada, no loss of life has been reported at this time.
How to Check Your Train Status
With ongoing weather developments, the Railway Department advises all commuters to plan their journeys carefully. To avoid inconvenience, passengers are encouraged to check for the latest updates on their specific train schedules via the National Train Inquiry System (NTES) or the official Indian Railways website before departing.