Bhubaneswar, August 17: Heavy rainfall has caused significant damage to a railway track in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, leading to the suspension of train services on the affected route.

The incident occurred near Station Bazar-Shungadia in the Baripada Municipality area, around 200 metres from the Station Bazar Road railway level crossing. Continuous heavy rainfall triggered a washout of soil and ballast beneath the railway line, causing nearly 50 metres of track to subside.

The damage was detected late at night after the Puri-Bangiriposi Superfast train had reached Bangiriposi. The track depression reportedly came to light during the movement of a DMU train. Railway authorities immediately suspended train operations on the affected section as a precautionary measure.

Engineers and maintenance personnel from the Kharagpur Railway Division rushed to the site and began restoration work. Railway staff have been working since midnight despite persistent rainfall to repair the damaged section and ensure the safety of the track.

Local residents expressed concern over the continued sinking of soil beneath the railway line. They said the timely detection of the damage may have prevented a major railway accident.

Emergency Sub-Collector of Baripada, Tapas Kumar Mohanta, said the water level near the railway tracks had receded and restoration work was underway.

"We received information that the railway track had subsided. Personnel were already on the job, and the team has arrived and commenced work. There was a rain alert starting August 12. Heavy rainfall occurred on August 13, followed by another heavy rain alert yesterday. Senior officials have been deployed," Mohanta told .

Railway authorities are currently carrying out repair work and inspecting the condition of the track. Train services are expected to resume once restoration work is completed and the affected section is declared safe for operations.