Heavy Water Floods Railway Bridge in Andhra, Several Trains Cancelled and Diverted

Train services in the Visakhapatnam Division faced major disruptions on Thursday morning due to heavy water inundation at Bridge Number 1052 between Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi. An overflowing local rivulet pushed water levels past the danger mark, forcing railway authorities to halt normal operations.

Train Cancellations And Changes

South Coast Railway officials cancelled several services, including Train Number 58531 and Train Number 18525 from Brahmapur to Visakhapatnam, along with the return Train Number 58532. Train Number 68419 from Bhubaneswar to Palasa was cut short at Chatrapur, while its return service, Train Number 68420, started from Chatrapur instead of Palasa. Train Number 18448 from Jagdalpur to Bhubaneswar stopped at Palasa, and the Gunupur to Cuttack passenger train was delayed from 2:45 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Passenger Relief Measures

Authorities arranged a special train between Visakhapatnam and Palasa to help stranded travellers. Help desks were also set up at major stations like Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam to provide updates. Meanwhile, long-distance trains such as the Tiruchchirappalli to New Jalpaiguri Superfast Express and the SMVT Bengaluru to Howrah Express were rerouted through Vizianagaram and other stations, skipping regular stops like Srikakulam Road, Brahmapur, and Bhubaneswar.

Context

Heavy seasonal rains often cause local rivers and rivulets to overflow in coastal regions, putting heavy pressure on railway bridges and tracks. When water levels cross safe limits, authorities must stop or divert train movements to prevent accidents and keep passengers safe.