Cyclone Flooding Cancels 16 Trains Across Odisha

Sixteen trains were cancelled in Odisha on October 30, while five more had their trips cut short or started elsewhere. Railway authorities cited waterlogging and congestion in the Ichchapuram-Jhadupudi section, disrupting services linking Odisha with Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the country. The changes affect passenger and express trains, not just local services, leaving travellers with cancellations, shorter trips or departures from other stations. ¹

That stretch lies amid a wider flood emergency after Cyclone Arnab brought exceptionally heavy rain to Odisha. The state said it had evacuated 59,028 people across nine districts, including 11,882 in Ganjam, and sent 313 rescue teams to affected areas. Floodwater reached around 300 villages in Ganjam, with 70 still cut off, while helicopters began airlifting people from isolated communities. ⁴

The cut-off villages show why the rail disruption matters beyond missed connections: roads and railways are both under strain as people need rescue and supplies. In Ganjam, helicopters and boats are carrying food to places ground crews cannot reach, including communities isolated by floodwater. The state also reported damage across other districts. Heavy rain and flooding have disrupted transport, while farmers face damaged crops and delays to harvesting, adding pressure to local livelihoods as relief efforts continue. ^4,14

Those transport links will need repairs as floodwaters ease, while passengers now face changed journeys. Railway authorities advised travellers to check their train status and plan accordingly, but the report gives no date for normal service to resume. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also directed officials to speed up road and bridge repairs, restore power and continue relief work.^{1,13 18}