Rail, Road Traffic Restored As Floods Recede In Srikakulam

Train operations are steadily returning to normal after a two-day disruption when heavy water flow touched bridge 1052 (Up), located between the Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi stations in the Visakhapatnam division.

After receding of the water levels at the bridge, train restoration in the Ichchapuram–Jhadupudi section of the Chennai and Howarah main line has been completed in phases. Single-line train operations resumed at night on October 29 at 9.30pm. The second line was subsequently cleared and it resumed operations on October 30 at 3.45pm. The trains are currently running at low speed.

The South Coast Railway has implemented steps for safe movement of stranded passengers. Passenger help desks have been functioning at major stations to disseminate real-time information and provide assistance. Additionally, continuous provision of drinking water, food, and other essential amenities for all affected travelers has been made.

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has been closely reviewing the restoration activities.

In the last two days, more than 40 trains were cancelled, 40 trains diverted, 16 trains short terminated and 30 trains rescheduled.

The Srikakulam district police reopened the NH 16 between Chennai and Kolkota from Friday morning. It had been closed on Thursday morning when floods from Bahuda submerged the road at a height of five feet.

“We are slowly moving the traffic as hundreds were stranded on the road since Thursday. By midnight the traffic will be cleared bringing back normalcy,’’ said SP Maheswara Reddy.
The discharge from the Buddha river was at 44,000 at 8pm and this is likely to reduce further as the rains have stopped.

Approximately 10,000 residents have been moved to relief camps established in schools in Ichchapuram and its surrounding areas.