ECoR Intensifies Restoration Work After Landslides Disrupt Rayagada Division

Bhubaneswar: East Coast Railway (ECoR) has stepped up restoration and safety work across the affected sections of Rayagada Division following continuous heavy rainfall that triggered landslides, soil slips and waterlogging at several locations.

ECoR General Manager Parameshwar Funkwal reviewed the restoration work at Maligura on September 28, one of the worst-affected locations in the Koraput–Jeypore section. He inspected the affected stretches and took stock of the progress of restoration and safety measures at the site.

Senior railway officials, including the Principal Chief Engineer, Principal Chief Signal & Telecommunication Engineer and Chief Electrical Engineer, briefed the General Manager on the work underway. The Divisional Railway Manager, Rayagada, along with senior divisional officers, also apprised him of the ground situation and efforts to restore train operations.

Heavy rainfall has affected several locations in the Koraput–Rayagada and Koraput–Jeypore sections, causing landslides, soil slips and waterlogging. According to ECoR, the affected locations other than Maligura Yard have been attended to and restored.

Maligura Yard, however, remains a major challenge due to the scale of the landslide and the large volume of earth and debris that has damaged railway infrastructure. The track, overhead equipment (OHE) and signalling infrastructure near Maligura station have suffered extensive damage.

Restoration work is continuing round the clock at the site, with additional manpower, heavy machinery and specialised equipment being mobilised, including for night operations. More than 600 personnel, including railway officers, have been deployed at Maligura to clear the debris and restore the damaged infrastructure.

Railway authorities have also made arrangements to support the workforce during the prolonged restoration operation. Lighting, temporary shelters, portable toilets, drinking water, catering and medical facilities, including first aid, have been provided at the work site.

Senior officers and personnel from Engineering, Electrical, Signal & Telecommunication, Operating, Mechanical, Commercial and other departments are stationed at the affected location under the supervision of the DRM, Rayagada, and are monitoring the restoration work.

ECoR headquarters and the Rayagada division are closely monitoring the situation. The railway has said efforts are being intensified to complete restoration and normalise train services at the earliest, while maintaining safety of passengers and railway personnel as the priority.