Train services across the hill areas under Rayagada division of the East Coast Railway have been severely impacted following a landslide between Maligura (MVG) and Chattriput (CTS) stations. The landslides occurred after heavy rains in the region, caused by a deep depression that crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kalingapatnam in the intervening night of September 23 and 24, 2026, (Wednesday and Thursday).

Authorities announced the complete cancellation of multiple express and passenger trains scheduled for Sunday (September 27), as safety precautions and track restoration work take precedence in the affected hill section.

According to railway officials, the disruptions affected vital connectivity corridors linking Visakhapatnam with remote interior destinations. The affected services include the Kirandul-Visakhapatnam Passenger (Train No. 58502) and its counterpart, the Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Passenger (Train No. 58501), both slated to run on September 27.

Additionally, the Kirandul-Visakhapatnam Express (Train No. 18516) and the return Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Express (Train No. 18515) have been withdrawn for the day.

Passengers are urged to verify updated schedule alterations and check train running statuses via the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) before embarking on their journeys through the region.

Ahead of the restructuring of the regional rail network, Waltair Division Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Lalit Bohra, with the DRM of the newly formed Rayagada Division, Amitabh Singhal, conducted a joint inspection of the Rayagada Control Office on Tuesday (May 26, 2026).

The review focused on the readiness and operational progress of the control office, which manages train movements, safety protocols and daily logistics.

With the new Rayagada Division under East Coast Railway and the South Coast Railway zone set to begin operations on June 1, the DRMs reviewed the temporary infrastructure at the facility. The administrative control structure covers core branches, including operations, engineering, carriage and wagon mechanical asset readiness, security and crew management. The officials interacted with the desk controllers and administrative staff at the facility to assess transition readiness.

Before reaching Rayagada, Mr. Bohra carried out a window-trailing inspection on the high-density Visakhapatnam-Vizianagaram section. The method allows senior officials to examine structural conditions and infrastructure expansion from the track side.

During this inspection, the DRM reviewed signalling networks, track curves, points, crossings, layout changes at major station yards and new railway line works, in consultation with senior officials. Passenger amenities at intermediate stations were also reviewed.