Bhubaneswar, September 25: In view of continuous heavy rainfall in Rayagada Division jurisdiction of East Coast Railway (ECoR), resulting in landslides, soil slips and waterlogging at several locations, the division has intensified restoration and safety works on a war footing.
Train operations in the affected sections are being regulated with necessary safety precautions.
Landslides and soil slips have been reported at Rauli, Lilliguma, Chhatriput, Maliguda and in the Keutguda–Sikarpai section, while waterlogging has also been reported near Tunnel No. 2. Railway teams are working continuously at the affected locations to clear the affected stretches and restore normal train operations at the earliest.
According to an ECoR statement, around 300 workers have been deployed for restoration activities at different locations for restoration and safety works, including 150 workers at Maliguda, 75 each in Keutguda & Rauli and 60 workers at Chhatriput.
The restoration teams were working round the clock under the supervision of Railway officials. Safety is being accorded the highest priority while carrying out restoration activities. Food arrangements have also been made for the personnel and workers engaged in the restoration work.
Free Bus Services Arranged for Passengers
As part of passenger facilitation measures, free bus services have been arranged from Koraput towards Jagdalpur and Jeypore for passengers affected by disruption/partial cancellation of train services.
According to ECoR, Train No. 18005 was short-terminated at Koraput. Around 110 passengers were provided bus transportation during the night facilitating the onward journey of the passengers.
For passengers of Train Nos. 18107 and 18447, affected by operational restrictions in the Koraput section, bus transportation arrangements were also made from Koraput towards Jagdalpur and Jeypore.
Initially, five buses with a capacity of 58 passengers each were kept ready at Koraput, with an additional bus kept on standby. Subsequently, based on passenger requirements, two buses were arranged for Jagdalpur and one bus for Jeypore.
Extensive arrangements for providing food, drinking water and packaged food items to passengers affected by the disruption at Damanjodi, Tikri and Koraput.
Round-the-Clock Monitoring and Passenger Assistance
Senior Railway officials and staff from concerned departments are present at affected locations and are coordinating restoration, train regulation and passenger facilitation measures.
Train movement through affected sections is being regulated with necessary speed restrictions and other safety precautions wherever required. Normal train operations will be restored progressively after the affected stretches are inspected and certified safe.
Rayagada Division is making all possible efforts to expedite restoration while maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers, train operations and personnel engaged in restoration work.
Passenger Enquiry & Travel Updates
In view of heavy rainfall across parts of Rayagada Division, passengers are advised to remain updated regarding train operations and their journey plans. For enquiries regarding train running and operational updates, passengers may contact:
Helpline Number - 9237609635
Commercial Control: 9237609505
Rayagada Division War Room: 9237609510
The ECoR urged the passengers to check the latest Railway updates before commencing their journey and requested to cooperate in the restoration process.
