Bhubaneswar: With heavy rain triggering floods in several parts of Odisha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the impact on railway operations in the coastal region of the state and directed officials to step up monitoring of vulnerable stretches to ensure safe and uninterrupted train movement.
The Minister has instructed the General Manager of South Eastern Railway (SER) to maintain a close watch on sections prone to waterlogging and take preventive measures to minimise disruption to train services.
Particular emphasis was laid on the Rupsa–Baripada–Bangriposi and Raurkela–Bondamunda sections as the Minister directed railway authorities to deploy additional manpower and resources along these stretches.
They have been asked to closely monitor water levels and track conditions, particularly at vulnerable locations, and remain prepared for quick intervention if the rainfall intensifies.
Sources said the review comes amid heavy rainfall in several parts of Odisha, raising concerns over waterlogging and its possible impact on railway tracks and train operations.
Underlining the need to accord top priority to passenger safety and uninterrupted railway operations, the Minister said additional resources are kept ready for deployment in rain-affected sections.
Meanwhile, train movement on Baripada-Bangiriposi route in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district came to a halt on Monday after heavy rains caused a 50-metre section of railway track to cave in near Sunagadia in the Station Bazar area.
The damage occurred after relentless downpours caused severe soil erosion and washed away the earth and concrete beneath the tracks. The damage to the tracks was detected late Sunday night during the movement of a DMU train, shortly after Puri-Bangiriposi Superfast Express had safely navigated through the section.
Railway emergency maintenance personnel rushed to the scene around midnight to begin restoration work. Work has been underway continuously to repair the damaged stretch and stabilise the ground.
