Landslide Disrupts Train Services on Koraput-Kirandul Line; Major Mishap Averted

Bhubaneswar/Koraput: A major mishap was narrowly averted on Wednesday after a landslide struck the Malliguda-Jarati section of the Koraput-Kirandul rail line in Odisha’s Koraput district around 3 PM. The route, which falls under the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway, was hit by a massive slide of mud and boulders due to incessant rainfall, moments before the Jagdalpur-Rourkela Intercity Express was scheduled to pass through.

Railway officials confirmed that the earth and rocks detached from surrounding hills and fell onto the tracks, obstructing train movement. Fortunately, no train was on the affected stretch at the time, preventing what could have been a serious accident.

Upon receiving information, railway officials and technical teams rushed to the spot to assess the damage. Heavy machinery and manpower have been mobilized for restoration and clearing operations, which are currently underway.

In the wake of the incident, several trains have been cancelled or rescheduled to ensure passenger safety and facilitate track restoration. The affected services include:

Cancelled Trains (Fully/Partially):

• 18448 Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express (July 2) – Cancelled
• 18516 Kirandul-Visakhapatnam Night Express (July 2) – Cancelled
• 18447 Bhubaneswar-Jagadalpur Hirakhand Express (July 3) – Cancelled for rake adjustment
• 18108 Jagdalpur-Rourkela Express (Koraput to Rourkela section) – Cancelled (July 2)
• 58501 Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Express (Jarati to Kirandul) – Cancelled (July 2)
• 58501/58502 Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Passenger – Cancelled between Araku and Kirandul (July 3)

Trains Short-Terminated or Originating from Koraput:

• 18448 Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express (July 3) – Originating from Koraput
• 18516 Kirandul-Visakhapatnam Night Express (July 2) – Originating from Koraput
• 18515 Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Night Express (July 2) – Running up to Koraput only
• 18447 Bhubaneswar-Jagadalpur Hirakhand Express (July 2) – Running up to Koraput
• 18005 Howrah-Jagadalpur Samaleswari Express – Short-terminated at Koraput
• 18107 Rourkela-Jagadalpur Express (July 2) – Running up to Koraput
• 18108 Jagadalpur-Rourkela Express (July 3) – Originating from Koraput
• 18006 Jagadalpur-Howrah Samaleswari Express (July 3) – Originating from Koraput

Railway authorities have urged passengers to check the latest train schedules before travel. Restoration work is ongoing, and updates will be provided as the situation evolves.