Train operations on the Tatanagar route are temporarily suspended due to elephants obstructing the railway lines. In a bid to prevent any untoward incidents, railway authorities have canceled several MEMU and passenger trains slated to run on December 18th and 19th, 2025. The disruptions span the Tatanagar, Chakradharpur, Rourkela, and Jharsuguda sectors.
Key services affected by these cancellations include the Rourkela–Tatanagar MEMU, Chakradharpur–Rourkela–Chakradharpur MEMU, Ranchi–Jharsuguda–Ranchi MEMU, Rourkela–Jharsuguda–Rourkela MEMU, and the Barampura–Bisra–Barampura passenger train. The decision prioritizes the well-being of passengers and railway staff.
Railway officials have pointed to consistent elephant movements along the Naxal–Rourkela, Chakradharpur–Rourkela, and Rourkela–Jharsuguda rail segments as the primary reason for the cancellations. The increased risk of collision necessitates these preventative measures.
Passengers with travel plans from Tatanagar are urged to confirm the real-time status of their trains. The railway administration also suggests exploring alternative modes of transport for the affected dates.