Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest brackish water lagoon with estuarine characteristics in Asia. In view of a possible cyclone, the Puri district administration has announced that all tourist boat and vessel services across the magnificently sized lake shall be suspended from October 26 to 29, 2026. This is mainly to ensure the safety and security of tourists and local residents. Let’s take a look at more in-depth information about the suspension of the Chilika Lake boat services.
Chilika Lake Boat Services Suspended Due To Cyclone Arnab
Boat And Ferry Operations Suspended For Safety; Daily Commute Affected
The government of Odisha is preparing for Cyclone Arnab, which has intensified over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the cyclonic storm will move over the west-central Bay of Bengal on October 26 and then towards the Andhra Pradesh coast by the morning of October 28. While Odisha is strengthening its preparedness to prevent casualties, Andhra Pradesh has directed power utilities to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply.
In view of Cyclone Arnab, the Puri district administration has announced that all tourist boats and vessels across Chilika Lake and surrounding water bodies will be suspended from October 26 to 29, 2026.
According to the official advisory, ferry and boat operations will remain completely suspended for four days. This is to ensure the safety and security of all tourists and locals. However, suspension of ferries and boats will also disrupt daily transit for thousands of residents in island communities like Krushnaprasad block, who are dependent on water routes for their commute.
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Cyclone Arnab Intensifies Over Bay Of Bengal
Currently, there is a deep depression hovering over east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. It is expected to further intensify into a cyclonic storm over east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal by October 26 morning. Further, it is expected to turn into a severe cyclonic storm over west-central Bay of Bengal around the morning of October 27. Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards, intensifying into a very severe cyclonic storm before reaching west-central Bay of Bengal near Andhra Pradesh coast around morning of October 28.
The primary landfall is projected between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam and maximum sustained wind speeds are expected to be between 115 to 125 kmph to even 140 kmph. The impending weather system will extensively impact districts across Odisha too, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds starting from October 27.
Also Read: Chilika Lake: Discover Asia’s Largest Brackish Water Lagoon
Strict Vigilance And Awareness To Prevent Mishaps
Local Block Development Officers (BDOs), tehsildars, and police personnel have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance along river ghats and lake entry points, enforce compliance across their jurisdictions, and actively spread safety awareness. The administration has issued a strict legal action against those found violating these safety guidelines.
Alongside restrictions on accessing inland water bodies, coastal advisories have been issued instructing fishermen to refrain from venturing into the sea until conditions improve. Authorities have set up emergency National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and fire service across key districts in Odisha.
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Summing Up
Chilika Lake boat services have been suspended from October 26 to 29, 2026 in light of Cyclone Arnab. Chilika Lake boat services have been suspended for tourists and locals to ensure their safety and security. As the state prepares for Cyclone Arnab, local authorities have also set up NDRF and fire teams across key coastal areas in Odisha.
