Bhubaneswar: In view of continuous heavy rainfall in Rayagada Division jurisdiction of East Coast Railway, 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 stretches and restore normal train operations at the earliest.
Around 300 workers have been deployed at different locations for restoration and safety works. Around 60 workers have been engaged at Chhatriput, 150 workers at Maliguda and 75 workers at Keutguda and Rauli. The restoration teams are working round the clock under supervision of Railway officials. Safety is being accorded highest priority while carrying out restoration activities. Food arrangements have also been made for personnel and workers engaged in the work.
As part of passenger facilitation measures, free bus services have been arranged from Koraput towards Jagdalpur and Jeypore for passengers affected by disruption and partial cancellation of train services.
Train No. 18005 was short-terminated at Koraput and around 110 passengers were provided bus transportation during the night to facilitate onward journey. For passengers of Train Nos. 18107 and 18447 affected by operational restrictions in Koraput section, bus transportation was also arranged 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 on standby. Subsequently, based on passenger requirements, two buses were arranged for Jagdalpur and one bus for Jeypore.
Extensive arrangements have been made for providing food, drinking water and packaged food items to affected passengers. At Damanjodi, arrangements included 50 cases of bottled drinking water, 300 samosas and packaged food items.
At Tikri, 20 cases of bottled drinking water and packaged food items were provided. At Koraput, around 300 lunch thalis were made available through two catering stalls to provide immediate assistance and basic amenities during disruption caused by adverse weather.
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 affected stretches are inspected and certified safe.
Rayagada Division is making all possible efforts to expedite restoration while maintaining highest standards of safety for passengers, train operations and personnel engaged in restoration work. Passengers have been advised to remain updated regarding train operations and journey plans in view of heavy rainfall. For enquiries regarding train running and operational updates, passengers may contact helpline number 9237609635, Commercial Control at 9237609505 and Rayagada Division War Room at 9237609510.
