Storm Chandra Slams Devon and Cornwall Rail Network
Rail chaos tightens its grip as Storm Chandra tears through Devon and Cornwall, washing away crucial track ballast. Four major lines remain dead in the water as February kicks off.
Floodwaters Devour Tracks — Repairs Scramble Underway
Network Rail crews face a mammoth clean-up after raging floodwaters swept away the stones holding the tracks stable. Fresh ballast needs laying and compacting before trains can run safely again.
Divers are on standby to check bridges and viaducts for hidden flood damage—but strict safety rules mean they can’t dive until water levels drop. That delays critical inspections and repair work even further.
Four Lines Shut, Buses Struggle to Fill Gaps
- Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple
- Exeter St Davids to Okehampton via Crediton
- Liskeard to Looe
- Par to Newquay
Replacement buses run between Par-Newquay and Liskeard-Looe, but poor roads make Exeter routes off-limits. Passengers are urged to avoid travel on these lines altogether.
Stormy Weather Adds Fuel to Travel Hell
Yellow weather warnings for heavy rain stay active until Saturday, January 31. Forecasters warn more downpours will slam brakes on repair progress.
“Travel in Devon and Cornwall will continue to be disrupted into the first week of February because of the widespread flooding in the region following back-to-back storms,” said Simon Gillibrand, Network Rail’s Western route operations director.
“Our teams are working around the clock to repair storm damage and reopen routes as soon as it is safe.”
GWR managing director Mark Hopwood also apologised, revealing vital branch lines remain underwater and impassable. Repairs and checks can’t start until floodwaters recede.
For the latest updates, hit up GWR’s travel updates page or call Network Rail’s helpline on 03457 11 41 41.
The promised early February reopening is hanging by a thread, dependent on weather and underwater inspections. For now, commuters face more days of rail misery.
