Indian Railways has reportedly cancelled 53 local and express trains scheduled for October 27 and 28 as a precaution against the potential impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’ over the Bay of Bengal. The South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone has stepped up its safety measures in anticipation of heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Railway officials are preparing emergency response arrangements to protect passengers, employees and railway infrastructure. Additional monitoring, passenger assistance facilities and refund arrangements are also being planned to manage possible disruptions.
South Coast Railway Reviews Safety and Emergency Preparations
South Coast Railway General Manager Sandeep Mathur has reviewed safety protocols, emergency response plans and passenger support arrangements across the zone.
A coordination meeting was held with Divisional Railway Managers and Principal Heads of Departments from all four divisions to assess preparedness for the expected weather conditions.
The railway zone has also established round-the-clock control rooms at its zonal and divisional headquarters. Officials have been instructed to maintain regular communication with state government representatives and monitor weather bulletins issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Tracks, Bridges and Signalling Systems Under Continuous Monitoring
Railway authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable bridges, railway tracks, yards and signalling equipment to reduce the risk of weather-related damage.
Special attention is being given to clearing silt, vegetation and waste from drainage systems and water channels to help prevent waterlogging. Staff have been deployed at vulnerable locations, while emergency maintenance materials are being kept ready for immediate use.
These precautions are intended to help railway teams respond quickly if heavy rainfall or strong winds affect railway operations.
Refund Counters, Medical Teams and Passenger Assistance Arrangements
To assist passengers affected by cancellations, help desks are being established at major railway stations. Additional ticket counters will also be opened to facilitate refunds where required.
Catering units have been instructed to maintain sufficient stocks of food and beverages. Alternative power arrangements have been made, while medical teams, first-aid facilities and ambulances are being kept on standby to provide emergency assistance around the clock.
Civil defence personnel, Scouts and Guides volunteers have also been alerted. Railway crews are on standby to operate special trains if necessary, and emergency response teams have been prepared to assist areas affected by the storm.
IMD Forecast Warns of Possible Cyclone Intensification
According to the report, the India Meteorological Department stated on Saturday that a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal had intensified into a depression and could develop into a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27.
At 5:30 PM on Saturday, the depression was centred over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of the southeast Bay of Bengal.
The IMD forecast indicated that the system could intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 27. It was also expected to move northwestwards and strengthen further into a very severe cyclonic storm.
Passengers planning to travel on October 27 or 28 should check their train’s running status and cancellation details through official Indian Railways channels before leaving for the station.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the information provided in the source material. Train cancellations, weather forecasts and railway safety arrangements may change as conditions develop. Passengers should verify the latest updates through official railway announcements and IMD bulletins before making travel decisions.