Odisha is witnessing heightened preparedness as the state faces the possibility of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on September 23 and 24. The India Meteorological Department has warned of significant rainfall associated with a weather system over the Bay of Bengal that is expected to intensify and move towards the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coast. Authorities have consequently strengthened arrangements to protect passengers, motorists and other road users.
The Odisha State Transport Authority has placed Regional Transport Offices across the state on high alert. Officials have been instructed to monitor road conditions continuously and regulate, divert or suspend vehicle movement wherever flooding, waterlogging, landslides or poor visibility make travel unsafe. The measures are intended to reduce risks on vulnerable road stretches during the period of adverse weather.
Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur has directed RTO officials to maintain round the clock coordination with district administrations, police departments, road owning agencies and emergency response services. This coordination is expected to help authorities respond quickly if roads become blocked or unsafe because of intense rainfall.
Special attention has been given to night time traffic. RTO officials have been asked to monitor low lying roads, submerged crossings, bridges, culverts, underpasses, ghat roads and stretches vulnerable to landslides. Alternative routes are also being kept ready so that traffic can be diverted when required.
Officials have made it clear that vehicles will not be permitted to use road sections where flowing or submerged water creates a safety risk. Traffic may be stopped or diverted in coordination with the relevant authorities. Movement will resume only after the concerned road owning agency and police authorities determine that the route is safe for use.
The transport authorities have also been instructed to operate control rooms during the period of the weather warning. Route specific information about closures, diversions, safe stopping locations and movement restrictions is expected to be communicated through transport associations, bus operators, terminals, media organisations and official communication channels.
Public and private bus operators, goods vehicle operators, taxi and auto associations and school transport operators have also been advised to review their travel schedules. Where conditions warrant, services may be deferred, diverted or suspended, particularly on vulnerable routes and during night hours.
Cranes and recovery vehicles are being positioned near vulnerable highway stretches to assist with emergency vehicle removal and road clearance. Transport officials will also coordinate with Fire Services, medical teams, the National Highways Authority of India and other agencies to facilitate rapid assistance in case of accidents, road blockages or weather related emergencies.
The precautionary measures come as the weather system over the Bay of Bengal approaches the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coast. The IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha, with the system expected to intensify into a deep depression before crossing the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coast.
The weather conditions have already affected several districts. Heavy rain has been reported in southern and coastal parts of Odisha, including Koraput, Ganjam, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Khurda, Puri, Jajpur and Jagatsinghpur. Waterlogging has also been reported in parts of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack following intense spells of rainfall.
The state has also strengthened emergency preparedness. Thirty three Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams have been mobilised in vulnerable districts, with several teams deployed in areas including Ganjam, Koraput, Gajapati, Rayagada and Malkangiri. Additional teams have been kept in reserve for rapid deployment if the situation deteriorates.
In Kandhamal district, authorities have taken a specific precautionary measure by suspending vehicular movement through the vulnerable Kalinga Ghat on September 23 and 24. The route connecting Phulbani with Berhampur has been identified as vulnerable to landslides and flash floods during prolonged periods of heavy rain. The district administration has advised commuters and transport operators to avoid the route during the specified period.
The Kalinga Ghat restriction follows previous disruption caused by heavy rainfall and landslides in the area. Authorities are therefore taking preventive measures before the latest spell of severe weather reaches its peak.
The India Meteorological Department has also issued warnings for several districts. Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri were placed under a red warning for September 23, while Nabarangpur was also included in the red warning for September 24. Several other districts, including Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Balangir and Bargarh, are expected to receive heavy rainfall during the two day period.
The IMD forecast indicates that strong winds could accompany the rainfall in parts of southern Odisha. The weather system is expected to move inland after crossing the coast and gradually weaken. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and have advised residents and travellers to follow official instructions.
For motorists, transport operators and passengers, authorities have advised avoiding unnecessary journeys through vulnerable areas, particularly during night hours. Drivers have also been asked to maintain safe speeds and adequate distance from other vehicles and never attempt to cross roads covered by flowing water.
The transport department has stated that passenger and public safety will remain the priority during the adverse weather period. Route restrictions will depend on local road conditions, and authorities may introduce additional diversions or suspensions if rainfall causes flooding, landslides or other hazards.
With the weather system expected to affect Odisha through September 24 and potentially beyond, commuters are advised to check route conditions and official transport advisories before beginning journeys. The situation will continue to be monitored by the state administration, transport authorities, police and emergency response agencies.