Bhubaneswar: A massive landslide triggered by torrential rainfall under the influence of Cyclone ‘Arnab’ has blocked Kilapanga Ghat Road in G. Udayagiri block of Odisha’s Kandhamal district.

Large boulders, huge mounds of soil and uprooted trees have rolled down the hillside, blocking the road and disrupting connectivity to nearby villages.

Responding to the emergency, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has mobilised specialised manpower and heavy equipment to assist the Odisha government in clearing the debris and removing large boulders from the affected stretch.

The mobilisation follows a high-level conference call involving the Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The ECoR has been directed to extend all possible support to the state government in undertaking the emergency operations.

Specialised teams mobilised for clearance work

Railway is mobilising a specialised controlled blasting team, equipped with the necessary machinery and expertise, with teams from Sonepur and Rairakhol, along with their respective supervisors, being deployed to support the operation. Chain-pulley systems, Tirfor equipment and suitable slings have also been arranged to facilitate the safe lifting, shifting and removal of heavy boulders and debris from the affected stretch.

The Sonepur TRD breakdown vehicle, accompanied by staff and equipment, has already reached Charichhak, while the Rairakhol team is proceeding to the location.

Further strengthening the operation, three trucks carrying specialised equipment and personnel were dispatched from Malligura, Jeypore and Koraput to G. Udayagiri.

The deployment comprises of supervisors, blaster, drillers, two sets of tractor compressors, two sets of jackhammers and blasting materials.

These teams and equipment will support controlled blasting and the removal of massive boulders obstructing the road. Additional resources will be mobilised depending on operational requirements at the site.

Coordination with district admin

ECoR is maintaining close coordination with the Kandhamal district administration for the effective deployment of resources and execution of the clearance operation. All concerned Railway departments and officials have been instructed to accord top priority to the operation and ensure the timely mobilisation of the required manpower and equipment.

The East Coast Railway is extending all possible assistance to the state government and district administration in responding to the emergency and supporting efforts to restore connectivity to the affected villages.