Odisha Rail Chaos: Hirakhand Express Stranded & Patna PET Exams Postponed!
Torrential rains have thrown railway operations into disarray, causing significant delays in Odisha and forcing authorities in Bihar to reschedule critical recruitment tests. The heavy downpour has led to landslides and severe waterlogging, impacting both passenger movement and examination schedules.
Rayagada Division Hit by Landslides and Track Blockages
The East Coast Railway's Rayagada division faced intense operational challenges between September 24 and September 25, 2026. The relentless rain triggered several geological and drainage issues that brought train movement to a standstill.
- Tunnel No. 29 Obstruction: On September 25, rocks and mud debris blocked the tracks between Sikirapai and Keutguda stations.
- Soil Slippages: Earlier, on September 24, soil slippages were reported near Tunnel No. 3 between Lilliguma and Rauli.
- Waterlogging: Severe flooding was observed on the tracks between Laxmipur Road and Kakirigumma.
Impact on Train Services
The disruptions caused immediate chaos for commuters. Notable impacts include:
- The Visakhapatnam-Koraput Intercity Express was detained at Sikirapai.
- The Hirakhand Express remained stranded at Keutguda for more than two hours.
- A total of four trains were cancelled, while several others had to be short-terminated or short-originated.
Railway engineering and security teams are currently on-site working to clear the debris and restore normal services, while officials remain vigilant in high-risk areas within the corridor.
Patna RRC Postpones Group D PET Exams
In a separate development, the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) in Patna has announced the postponement of the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for Group D recruitment. The exams, which were scheduled to take place on September 26 and 27, 2026, have been moved due to unfavorable weather conditions.
The primary reason for this decision is the heavy waterlogging at Jagjivan Stadium in Khagaul, which serves as the examination venue. RRC Patna officials emphasized that the postponement was necessary to:
- Prioritize the safety and well-being of all candidates.
- Maintain the integrity and fairness of the examination process.
Candidates are advised to wait for further updates, as new dates for the PET will be announced by the authorities in due course.