Indian Railways has issued a travel advisory for passengers as Cyclone Arnab is expected to bring heavy rainfall and severe weather to parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and nearby regions. South Central Railway (SCR) has warned that train services could be affected, with possible cancellations, diversions and schedule changes.
According to an SCR press release dated October 27, 2026, the cyclone is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Kakinada and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, during the forenoon of October 28 as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mulugu and Mahabubabad for October 28. Heavy rainfall is also forecast for Warangal, Hanamkonda, Suryapet and Nalgonda on October 28 and 29. Passengers travelling through the affected railway sections may therefore face disruptions.
South Central Railway Reviews Cyclone Preparedness
South Central Railway General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava has reviewed the preparations with senior railway officials, including Secunderabad Division Divisional Railway Manager R. Gopalakrishnan.
The review covered vulnerable railway tracks and bridges, patrol arrangements, deployment of patrolmen and watchmen, and monitoring of water levels in tanks. Officials also assessed the availability of boulders and sandbags, along with the readiness of Accident Relief Trains (ARTs) and Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARMEs).
The General Manager directed the Operations, Engineering, Electrical, Mechanical, Commercial and Medical departments to remain on high alert. Railway officials and supervisors have been instructed to monitor train movements, bridge conditions and water levels at vulnerable locations to protect passengers, railway employees and railway infrastructure.
Train Passengers Should Check Running Status
With the cyclone approaching the coast, passengers are advised to verify their train schedules before leaving for the station. Services operating through affected areas may be cancelled, diverted, rescheduled or partially cancelled depending on weather conditions.
Passengers should also monitor SMS alerts sent to the mobile number provided during ticket booking. These notifications may contain important updates about changes to train services.
Train running information can be checked through official railway platforms and applications, including IRCTC, RailOne and NTES. Passengers can also call railway enquiry number 139 for assistance.
Where to Get the Latest Railway Updates
Passengers should follow official announcements from South Central Railway and check its website and verified social media accounts for updates on train cancellations, diversions and rescheduling.
Updates published through print and electronic media may also provide information about the developing weather situation. Travellers who need further assistance can contact railway officials at their nearest station.
Passengers are advised to remain alert, confirm their train status before travelling and keep their plans flexible until the weather conditions improve and railway operations return to normal.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Cyclone forecasts, railway schedules and service arrangements may change as weather conditions develop. Passengers should rely on the latest announcements from South Central Railway, Indian Railways and the India Meteorological Department before making travel decisions. The information provided here does not guarantee that any particular train will operate according to its scheduled timetable.