New Delhi, October 31: Indian Railways has mobilised specialised manpower, technical teams and heavy equipment to assist the Odisha Government in clearing debris following a massive landslide that blocked Kilapanga Ghat Road in G. Udayagiri block of Kandhamal district.

The landslide, triggered by torrential rainfall under the influence of Cyclone ‘Arnab’, brought down huge boulders, massive quantities of soil and uprooted trees from the hillside, completely obstructing the road and disrupting connectivity to several nearby villages.

Responding promptly to the emergency, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched an extensive mobilisation of specialised teams and equipment to support the district administration in clearing the debris and removing massive boulders from the affected stretch.

The decision followed a high-level conference call involving the Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha, the State Revenue Minister, the Chief Secretary and the General Manager of East Coast Railway. The meeting reviewed the ground situation and assessed the immediate assistance required from the Railways.

Following the discussions, ECoR was directed to extend all possible assistance to the State Government to expedite the emergency clearance operations.

Specialised Teams and Heavy Machinery Deployed

As part of the coordinated response, East Coast Railway is mobilising a specialised controlled-blasting team equipped with the necessary machinery, technical expertise and safety equipment. Teams from Sonepur and Rairakhol, along with their respective supervisors, have been deployed to assist in the operation.

To facilitate the safe lifting, shifting and removal of massive boulders, Railway authorities have also arranged chain-pulley systems, Tirfor equipment and suitable slings.

The Sonepur TRD breakdown vehicle, along with its staff and equipment, has already reached Charichhak, while the Rairakhol team is proceeding towards the affected location.

Further strengthening the operation, three trucks carrying specialised equipment and personnel have been dispatched from Malligura, Jeypore and Koraput to G. Udayagiri.

The deployment includes supervisors, a blaster, drillers, two sets of tractor compressors, two sets of jackhammers and the required blasting materials. These resources will facilitate controlled blasting, breaking of oversized boulders, and removal of debris obstructing the road.

Additional manpower and equipment will be mobilised as required, depending on the operational needs and ground conditions at the site.

Close Coordination with District Administration

East Coast Railway is maintaining close coordination with the Kandhamal district administration to ensure the effective deployment of resources and smooth execution of the clearance operation.

All concerned Railway departments and officials have been instructed to accord the operation the highest priority and ensure the timely mobilisation of the required manpower, machinery and technical support.

Through this coordinated emergency response, East Coast Railway is extending all possible assistance to the Odisha Government and the district administration in overcoming the situation and facilitating the restoration of road connectivity to the affected villages.

The Railway’s swift mobilisation of specialised teams and heavy equipment underscores its commitment to extending support to the State Government and local administration during natural disasters and other emergencies.