Odisha Landslide Disrupts Train Services as 10 Trains Face Cancellation and Route Changes in Rayagada Division

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Railway passengers who were commuting within Odisha experienced some disruptions on September 25, 2026, due to the landslide incident which caused some disruptions in the railway services from Maligura to Chhatariput stations in Rayagada Division. To ensure safety, ECoR revised train service due to the landslides and subsequent works that were being undertaken in the particular section of railway line.
The disruption had an impact on 10 trains, out of which four trains were completely cancelled, while six others were short terminated or originated from Koraput station rather than completing the whole journey.
The particular route is very important to connect important cities and places in Odisha and its surroundings and therefore the disruption is very crucial for regular passengers and travelers.
Passengers were advised to get updated information regarding their particular train service from the railway authority before starting their journey.

Why This Matters for Railway Travellers

Natural events such as landslides can create sudden challenges for railway networks, especially in areas where tracks pass through hilly or environmentally sensitive regions.

For passengers, even a temporary disruption can affect travel plans, connecting journeys, work schedules, and personal commitments.

East Coast Railway adjusted services to reduce safety risks and allow repair teams to restore normal operations.

What passengers should know about the Odisha rail disruption

• A landslide affected the railway section between Maligura and Chhatariput stations.
• Train operations were regulated in the affected area.
• Four trains were cancelled completely.
• Six trains were modified through short-termination or short-origination.
• Koraput became the temporary endpoint for several affected services.

The railway changes are precautionary measures designed to protect passengers and railway employees while restoration work continues.

What Caused the Train Disruptions in Odisha

The disruption occurred after a landslide hit the railway section between Maligura and Chhatariput stations in Odisha’s Rayagada Division.

The East Coast Railway took action to manage train movement and facilitate restoration activities.

Railway response after the landslide

• Train movement through the affected section was reviewed.
• Services were adjusted according to safety requirements.
• Restoration work was initiated.
• Passenger services were modified where necessary.
• Travellers were advised to check updated information before departure.

Railway authorities often regulate services during such situations because debris, unstable soil, or damaged infrastructure can affect safe train movement.

Which Trains Were Cancelled Due to the Odisha Landslide

Four train services remained cancelled on September 25, 2026, due to the disruption.

Passengers scheduled to travel on these services needed to check alternative arrangements or updated railway information.

Cancelled trains on September 25

The cancellations affected both passenger and express services operating through the impacted railway corridor.

How the Howrah Jagdalpur Express Route Was Changed

The Howrah–Jagdalpur Express was among the major long-distance services affected by the landslide.

The railway authority modified both directions of the service because the Koraput–Jagdalpur section was affected.

Revised operations for Howrah Jagdalpur Express

Train number 18005, which started its journey from Howrah on September 23, will terminate at Koraput.

The section between Koraput and Jagdalpur will remain cancelled.

Train number 18006, scheduled to start from Jagdalpur on September 25, will instead begin from Koraput.

The Jagdalpur–Koraput portion of the journey will not operate.

Rourkela Jagdalpur Express Faces Partial Cancellation

The Rourkela–Jagdalpur Express service was also affected by the railway disruption.

The changes were introduced to avoid operating trains through the affected section until safety conditions improve.

Rourkela Jagdalpur Express updates

For both services, the Jagdalpur–Koraput section remains cancelled.

Passengers travelling between these locations were advised to confirm updated schedules before reaching stations.

Hirakhand Express Services Modified After Landslide

The Hirakhand Express, connecting Bhubaneswar and Jagdalpur, was another major service affected by the disruption.

The train changes impacted both the onward and return journeys.

Hirakhand Express revised operations

The Koraput–Jagdalpur section will remain cancelled for both services.

Why This Matters for Odisha and Regional Connectivity

The Rayagada Division plays an important role in connecting Odisha with nearby regions, including parts of Chhattisgarh.

Rail services through this corridor support passengers travelling for work, education, tourism, and personal reasons.

Importance of the affected railway corridor

• Connects Odisha with neighbouring regions.
• Supports long-distance passenger movement.
• Provides access to regional communities.
• Helps tourism and local economic activity.
• Supports daily mobility.

Because of this importance, disruptions on the route can affect a wide range of travellers.

What Travellers Should Know Before Starting Their Journey

Passengers travelling through the affected section should confirm their train status before leaving for stations.

Railway schedules may change depending on restoration progress and safety assessments.

Before Travelling Through the Affected Route

Important steps for passengers

• Check train running status before departure.
• Confirm whether the service is cancelled or modified.
• Verify boarding and destination details.
• Follow announcements from railway authorities.
• Keep alternative travel plans ready if needed.

Passengers should rely on updated railway information rather than previous schedules during disruption periods.

How Railway Authorities Manage Landslide-Related Disruptions

Railway networks regularly prepare for weather-related and environmental challenges.

Landslides can create operational difficulties because loose earth, stones, or debris may affect railway tracks and surrounding infrastructure.

Safety measures during railway disruptions

• Inspect affected railway sections.
• Restrict train movement when necessary.
• Clear damaged areas.
• Conduct safety checks.
• Resume services after approval.

These measures help protect passengers while allowing restoration teams to work efficiently.

Impact on Passenger Travel Plans

The Odisha disruption affects several categories of travellers.

Passengers travelling for personal visits, business, education, or tourism may need to adjust their schedules.

Travellers who may be affected

• Long-distance railway passengers.
• Daily commuters using connecting services.
• Visitors travelling through Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
• Passengers with onward connections.
• Families travelling during the affected period.

Checking updated information before departure can help passengers avoid unnecessary delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which railway section was affected by the Odisha landslide?

The landslide affected the section between Maligura and Chhatariput stations in the Rayagada Division of East Coast Railway.

How many trains were affected?

Ten train services were affected through cancellations and route modifications.

Which trains were completely cancelled?

The cancelled services included the Kirandul–Visakhapatnam Passenger, Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Passenger, Kirandul–Visakhapatnam Express, and Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Express.

Why were some trains short-terminated at Koraput?

The trains were short-terminated because the Koraput–Jagdalpur section was affected by the landslide.

How can passengers check updates?

Passengers should check official railway enquiry services, including NTES, before travelling.

Closing Update

The landslide at Odisha has caused temporary disruption in railway services in the Rayagada Division due to cancellation and diversion of 10 trains.
Operations have been altered by East Coast Railway to ensure passenger safety and help in restoring services between the stations of Maligura and Chhatariput.
It is imperative for passengers traveling on the concerned routes to keep track of the real-time status of their trains prior to their trip.