Cyclone-Related Train Cancellations: What Passengers Must Check

News report | 27 October 2026

Cyclone-related train cancellations are affecting rail travel across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as Cyclone Arnab approaches India’s eastern coast. South Coast Railway has listed 53 train services for cancellation on October 27 and 28, while additional services face cancellations and route changes on later dates. Passengers should verify their train status, boarding station and refund eligibility before travelling.

Cyclone Arnab Triggers Railway Disruptions Across Eastern India

Indian Railways has announced precautionary changes to train operations as Cyclone Arnab intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. The measures aim to protect passengers and railway infrastructure as the storm approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast, with parts of Odisha also facing heavy rainfall and strong winds.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone was forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28, potentially bringing sustained winds of 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph. The forecast issued on October 26 also warned of adverse weather conditions along the eastern coast.

The railway disruptions affect passengers travelling for work, education, business and family commitments. Short-distance passenger trains and selected longer-distance services are among those affected.

Passengers should note that the cancellation schedule varies by train and departure date. A service cancelled on October 27 may operate on another date, while some trains have been cancelled for several consecutive days.

The railway authorities may also revise operating arrangements as weather conditions develop. Travellers should therefore rely on the latest official updates rather than older schedules, social media forwards or previously saved timetable information.

Which Train Services Are Cancelled Due to Cyclone Arnab?

South Coast Railway has listed 53 train services for cancellation on October 27 and 28, affecting routes connecting Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Gudivada, Rajahmundry, Bhimavaram, Narasapur and Guntur, among other destinations. The cancellations apply to services operating on one or both dates, depending on the train.

Separately, railway announcements reported by The Indian Express identify eight services cancelled across specified dates between October 27 and November 4. These include the following trains:

• Visakhapatnam to Kirandul Night Express (18515) and its return service, Kirandul to Visakhapatnam (18516), cancelled for departures from October 29 to November 4.
• Visakhapatnam to Koraput Passenger (58538), cancelled from October 27 to October 30, and the return Koraput to Visakhapatnam Passenger (58537), cancelled from October 28 to October 31.
• Visakhapatnam to Koraput Intercity Express (18512), cancelled on October 30, and the return Koraput to Visakhapatnam Intercity Express (18511), cancelled on October 31.
• Visakhapatnam to Kirandul Passenger (58501) and Kirandul to Visakhapatnam Passenger (58502), cancelled for departures from October 27 to October 30.

These are selected services, not a complete list of every affected train. Passengers should check the official cancellation notice for their specific service before making travel arrangements.

Hirakhand Express Route Changes: What Passengers Should Know

Some train services are facing route curtailments rather than complete cancellations. This distinction is important because a train may operate but fail to reach its usual destination.

The Bhubaneswar to Jagdalpur Hirakhand Express (18447) is scheduled to terminate at Rayagada instead of continuing to its regular destination for departures from October 27 to October 30. Its return service, the Jagdalpur to Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express (18448), is scheduled to originate from Rayagada instead of Koraput for departures from October 28 to October 31.

A short-terminated train stops before its normal destination. A short-originated train begins its journey at an intermediate station rather than its usual starting point.

For passengers, these changes may mean arranging alternative transport to reach their intended destination or boarding station. Travellers should check whether their particular station remains part of the revised route.

Passengers should also confirm the dates covered by the latest notification. Railway operating plans can change during severe weather, so an earlier announcement should not automatically be treated as the final schedule.

How to Check Train Cancellation Status Before Departure

Passengers can use official railway services to confirm whether their train is cancelled, running late or operating on a modified route.

The following steps can help travellers avoid unnecessary trips to railway stations.

1. Check the National Train Enquiry System (NTES): Visit the official Indian Railways enquiry website at https://enquiry.indianrail.gov.in/ntes or use the NTES app to check train-running information and cancellation updates.

2. Verify the train number and journey date: Search for the exact train number printed on the ticket. Check the departure date carefully because the same train may operate on one day and be cancelled on another.

3. Review IRCTC booking details: Passengers with reserved e-tickets should check their booking account and any official notifications about cancellations or schedule changes.

4. Check the boarding and destination stations: If a train has been short-terminated, short-originated or diverted, confirm whether the revised service covers the stations relevant to your journey.

5. Seek clarification through railway enquiry services: If the available information is unclear, contact the railway enquiry helpline at 139 or approach the station enquiry counter, where accessible.

6. Check again before leaving home: Severe weather conditions may lead to further operational changes. A previous status check should not be treated as a guarantee that the train will run as scheduled.

Passengers should avoid relying on unverified social media posts or messages forwarded through messaging applications. Official railway announcements are the appropriate source for decisions about train travel.

Train Cancellation Refund Rules: What Passengers Need to Know

Refund eligibility is another important concern for travellers whose trains are cancelled because of a cyclone.

For eligible e-tickets, refunds are generally processed automatically when Indian Railways fully cancels the booked train, subject to the applicable railway rules and booking conditions. Passengers should check their booking status and refund information through IRCTC rather than filing an unnecessary cancellation request without verifying the procedure.

Counter-ticket holders should follow the applicable refund procedure through authorised railway channels. The requirements and deadlines can differ from those for online reservations.

Passengers should retain their ticket details, booking confirmation and any official cancellation notifications until the refund process is complete. If a refund does not appear within the expected period, they should check the official booking or refund support channels.

Travellers who have booked separate buses, hotels or flights should review those providers’ cancellation policies independently. A cancelled train does not automatically qualify a passenger for a refund on separately booked services.

Passengers should also avoid unofficial agents promising guaranteed refunds or access to trains that have been cancelled. Refund requests and booking-related enquiries should be handled through authorised channels.

Should Passengers Postpone Their Journey During Cyclone Arnab?

Passengers planning non-essential travel to or through affected areas should assess the latest railway updates and weather advisories before proceeding.

If a train has been officially cancelled, travellers should not assume it will depart as originally scheduled. If the service is operating on a modified route, they should confirm whether their boarding and destination stations remain accessible.

Those travelling for examinations, medical appointments, work commitments or family emergencies should contact the relevant institution or person early if the disruption affects their plans.

Alternative transport also requires careful consideration. Heavy rainfall, flooding and strong winds can affect road journeys, while local authorities may impose restrictions in vulnerable areas. Travellers should not assume that buses or taxis will necessarily provide a safer alternative.

The IMD has issued weather warnings for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha for October 27 and the following days. Passengers should follow the latest official advisories and local administration instructions, particularly in areas facing heavy rainfall or strong winds

For those who can postpone non-essential journeys, waiting for clearer weather conditions and updated railway schedules may be the more practical option.

Key Takeaways

• Cyclone Arnab has prompted cancellations and operational changes affecting train services in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
• Passengers should verify train numbers, departure dates, boarding stations and destinations through official railway channels.
• The Hirakhand Express is among the services facing route curtailments, so travellers should check the revised operating arrangements.
• Refund eligibility depends on the ticket type and applicable railway rules. Passengers should use authorised channels for cancellation and refund enquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which trains are cancelled due to Cyclone Arnab?

Several passenger and express services are affected, including trains connecting Visakhapatnam with Koraput and Kirandul. Additional cancellations affect routes around Vijayawada, Machilipatnam, Rajahmundry and other destinations. The applicable dates vary by train.

2. How can I check whether my train is cancelled on October 27 or 28, 2026?

Visit the official NTES website at https://enquiry.indianrail.gov.in/ntes or use the NTES app. Search using your train number and confirm the operating status for the exact departure date.

3. Will I receive a refund if my train is cancelled due to the cyclone?

Eligible passengers can receive refunds under the applicable Indian Railways rules. For e-tickets, check the booking status and refund information on IRCTC. Counter-ticket holders should confirm the relevant procedure through authorised railway channels.

4. Is the Hirakhand Express running normally during Cyclone Arnab?

The Hirakhand Express is subject to route curtailments on specified dates. Train 18447 is scheduled to terminate at Rayagada, while train 18448 is scheduled to originate there instead of Koraput during the notified periods. Passengers should verify the latest schedule before travelling.