Cyclone Arnab disrupts rail services; 35 trains cancelled across eastern routes

Rail services across eastern India faced significant disruption on Thursday as Cyclone Arnab triggered widespread cancellations and service suspensions. A total of 35 trains have been cancelled, including the premium Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express, as weather-related hazards forced authorities to suspend operations on critical routes.

The primary disruption centres on the Chennai-Howrah main line, where water has accumulated over railway bridges between Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi in Andhra Pradesh. The section, which forms a crucial link in India's eastern railway network, remains closed to traffic pending clearance and safety assessments by railway authorities.

Railway officials have warned that further cancellations and delays may be announced as the cyclone system moves through the region. Passengers have been advised to check official railway portals for updated information on their scheduled services. The rail operator has stated that train services will be restored once weather conditions improve and track safety inspections are completed.

Cyclone Arnab has affected transport infrastructure across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with authorities implementing precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety. The cancellation of the Vande Bharat service, a flagship high-speed train connecting major cities in the region, underscores the severity of disruptions caused by the weather system.