KK Line Paralysed for 14 Days: Landslide Damage Keeps Train Services Off Track
Bhubaneswar: Train services on the crucial Kotavalasa-Kirandul (KK) Railway Line continue to remain disrupted 14 days after massive landslides damaged railway infrastructure between Maliguda and Chhatriput stations near Jeypore.
Despite round-the-clock restoration efforts by railway authorities, services have not resumed due to persistent challenges posed by unstable soil conditions and underground water seepage in the affected area.
More than 40 heavy machines have been deployed to clear debris, excavate damaged sections, and restore the tracks and overhead electric lines.
Officials said restoration work is progressing slowly as water springs beneath the landslide zone continue to weaken freshly filled soil, leading to repeated setbacks in reconstruction efforts.
Senior railway officials, including the Divisional Railway Manager of Rayagada Division, are closely monitoring the situation at the site.
The prolonged disruption has severely impacted passengers across Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and adjoining regions of Chhattisgarh.
With rail connectivity cut off, many travellers are being forced to rely on alternative road routes, resulting in longer travel times and higher expenses.
Several train services remain cancelled due to the ongoing crisis.
The Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Night Express has been cancelled until October 12, while the Rourkela-Jagdalpur Express will remain cancelled until October 13.
Additionally, key trains including the Hirakhand Express, Samaleswari Express and Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Passenger are operating only up to Koraput.
Railway authorities have not yet announced a timeline for the complete restoration of the KK Line.
Passengers and local residents continue to await the reopening of the vital rail corridor, which serves as an important transportation link for southern Odisha and neighbouring regions.
