Koraput: Continuous rainfall triggered a landslide in the hilly region between Jeypore and Koraput, leading to the suspension of train services along this route. The landslide occurred around 3 PM at Jarti railway section, causing mud and debris to fall onto the tracks. As a result, an overhead electric line was also damaged. Notably, a train bound for Koraput from Rourkela was scheduled to arrive shortly after, but a major accident was narrowly avoided.
Due to this incident, several trains have been cancelled:
Jagdalpur–Rourkela Intercity Express
Bhubaneswar–Hirakhand Express
Kirandul–Visakhapatnam Night Express
Before the landslide, the Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Passenger was near Maliguda, and it was hauled to Jagdalpur using a diesel engine. The Rourkela Express, which had already departed from Jagdalpur, was reversed back from Jeypore. According to departmental sources, other trains bound for Jagdalpur will operate up to Koraput only.
The landslide occurred between Jarti and Maliguda stations.
Following the disruption, the railways have begun emergency restoration work on a war footing. Heavy machinery is being used to remove the debris from the tracks. Since the section consists of a single railway line, there is uncertainty as to when normal train services will resume. Railway officials have yet to confirm how long it will take to completely clear the debris and restore the line.
It’s worth noting that landslides during the monsoon season have become a recurring issue on the Koraput railway route.