Rayagada, Sept. 25 (UDN): Train services on the Koraput-Rayagada railway line were disrupted on Friday after a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall blocked the tracks near Tunnel No. 29 between Keutguda and Sikarapai stations.

 Representational Image 

Mud and large boulders slid onto the railway line, forcing authorities to suspend rail movement on the route and affecting both passenger and long-distance trains.

Trains Stranded on Route

The disruption left several trains halted at different stations, with the Intercity Express stranded at Sikarapai and the Hirakhand Express stopped at Keutguda, causing inconvenience to passengers.

Restoration Work in Progress

Teams from East Coast Railway (ECOR) rushed to the site with heavy machinery soon after the incident was reported. Restoration crews are working to remove debris and clear the tracks to resume train operations at the earliest.

Rain Keeps Authorities on Alert

The latest disruption comes after another day of rain-related disturbances along the railway corridor, where several minor landslides had been reported earlier.

With heavy rainfall continuing across the region, railway officials are maintaining close surveillance of tunnels, hill slopes and other vulnerable stretches along the mountainous route to minimise the risk of further disruptions.