In a move to enhance passenger safety and bolster the reliability of its infrastructure, the East Coast Railway has scheduled essential modernisation and maintenance works in the Waltair Division throughout January 2026.
These upgrades will temporarily disrupt several passenger and express train services, including cancellations, rescheduling, and short-terminations or short-originations on specific dates.
The railway authorities emphasised that these measures are crucial for long-term improvements, urging passengers to check updates via official enquiry systems and plan their travel accordingly to minimise inconvenience.
Key Disruptions to Train Services
Cancellations:
Several trains will be fully cancelled on designated dates to accommodate the ongoing works:
- On January 5, 12, and 19, 2026: Train No. 58528/58527 Visakhapatnam–Raipur–Visakhapatnam Passenger, Train No. 58537/58538 Visakhapatnam–Koraput–Visakhapatnam Passenger, and Train No. 18512 Visakhapatnam–Koraput Intercity Express.
- On January 6, 13, and 20, 2026: Train No. 18511 Koraput–Visakhapatnam Intercity Express.
Rescheduling:
- Train No. 18006 Jagdalpur–Howrah Samaleswari Express, originally departing from Jagdalpur, will be delayed by two hours on January 19, 2026.
Short-Terminations and Short-Originations:
To manage the disruptions effectively, the following adjustments have been made:
- Train No. 17243 Guntur–Rayagada Express will end its journey at Vizianagaram on January 4, 11, and 18, 2026.
- Train No. 20829 Durg–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express will terminate at Rayagada on January 5, 12, and 19, 2026.
- Train No. 18301 Sambalpur–Rayagada Intercity Express will be short-terminated at Muniguda on January 19, 2026.
Conversely:
- Train No. 17244 Rayagada–Guntur Express will start from Vizianagaram on January 5, 12, and 19, 2026.
- Train No. 20830 Visakhapatnam–Durg Vande Bharat Express will originate from Rayagada on the same dates.
- Train No. 18302 Rayagada–Sambalpur Intercity Express will begin its route from Muniguda on January 19, 2026.
These changes primarily affect routes connecting key stations such as Visakhapatnam, Koraput, Rayagada, and others in the region. The East Coast Railway has assured that all efforts are being made to complete the works efficiently and restore normal operations as soon as possible.
Passengers impacted by these alterations are encouraged to contact railway helplines or visit the official website for real-time updates and alternative travel options.
