Cyclone Arnab Chaos: 22 Trains Cancelled, High Alert in Andhra Pradesh
Cyclone Arnab triggers 22 train cancellations and route changes. Check the latest travel updates and NDRF deployment details here.
Travel plans across eastern India have been thrown into disarray as Cyclone Arnab train cancellations hit the railway network. In response to the severe weather system, at least 22 express and passenger train services have been suspended or cancelled between October 27 and November 5, 2026, to ensure passenger safety.
Major Railway Disruptions and Route Changes
The impact on rail connectivity is significant, with several key routes facing interruptions. Most of the cancellations are scheduled between October 29 and November 4. Among the most affected services are the Visakhapatnam-Kirandul and Rourkela-Jagdalpur trains.
Beyond outright cancellations, several services have undergone temporary operational changes:
- Howrah-Jagdalpur Samaleswari Express: This service has seen changes to its departure dates.
- Bhubaneswar-Jagdalpur Hirakhand Express: From October 27 to October 30, this train will terminate at Rayagada.
- Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express: Between October 28 and October 31, this train will originate from Rayagada instead of Jagdalpur.
The Railway Department has urged passengers to remain vigilant and verify their travel status. The latest updates are available via the Indian Railways website and the National Train Inquiry System (NTES).
Cyclone Arnab: Landfall and Current Status
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the very severe cyclonic storm Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, specifically between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by 8 am on Wednesday. During landfall, the system packed maximum sustained wind speeds of 125–135 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 150 kmph.
According to the IMD, the cyclone crossed the coast between 2 am and 8 am on October 28. By 8:30 am, the system was centered over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, positioned near Narsapur, Kakinada, and Machilipatnam.
Weakening Intensity and Disaster Response
There is some relief as the storm begins to lose power. NDRF Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela stated in a Delhi press conference that the system has been downgraded from a "very severe cyclonic storm" to a "severe cyclonic storm." It is expected to weaken further by Wednesday evening.
To manage the crisis, the government has mobilized significant resources:
- Four additional NDRF teams have been deployed to Andhra Pradesh.
- The NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and district-level teams are actively conducting operations on the ground.
- The Andhra Pradesh government remains on high alert, with the Chief Minister’s Office confirming round-the-clock efforts to protect lives and property.
Damage Report: No Casualties So Far
Despite the intensity of the storm, no loss of life has been reported. However, the cyclone has left a mark on the infrastructure. Severe coastal erosion and high-intensity sea waves have caused significant damage to the Uppada coastal road near Kakinada.
Authorities have already initiated restoration and repair works in the affected areas to restore connectivity and reinforce the coastline against further erosion.