Cyclone Arnab: 60+ Trains Cancelled Near Andhra Coast
Indian Railways cancels over 60 trains, including Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Night Express, as Cyclone Arnab approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast.
Indian Railways has announced the cancellation of over 60 trains across the country as Cyclone Arnab approaches the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast. The South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone has been hit particularly hard, with 53 train services suspended to ensure passenger safety during the impending storm.
Severe Cyclonic Storm Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that the weather system will intensify into a 'very severe cyclonic storm' by October 27. The storm is expected to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the morning of October 28.
Meteorologists have warned of intense wind speeds ranging from 115 to 125 kmph, with potential gusts reaching up to 140 kmph. This extreme weather poses a significant threat to rail infrastructure and operations in the coastal regions.
Major Train Cancellations and Suspensions
To prevent passengers from being stranded, several key services have been cancelled or suspended. Travelers are advised to check their specific train status before traveling:
- Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Night Express (18515/18516): Suspended from October 29 to November 4.
- Visakhapatnam-Koraput Passenger (58538/58537): Cancelled from October 27 to October 30.
- Howrah–Jagdalpur Express (18005/18006): Suspended between October 27-30 and October 28-31.
- Rourkela–Jagdalpur Express (18107/18108): Cancelled.
- Hirakhand Express (18447/18448): Short-termination and short-origination measures are in effect at Rayagada from October 27 to October 31.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
In response to the cyclone, South Coast Railway General Manager Sandeep Mathur has established a 24-hour 'war room' at the Visakhapatnam zonal headquarters to monitor the situation in real-time. The railway administration has implemented several emergency protocols:
- Infrastructure Surveillance: Round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable bridges, tracks, yards, and signaling systems is underway.
- On-Ground Preparedness: Staff have been tasked with clearing debris and waterlogging, while patrolmen are deployed at critical locations with emergency maintenance stocks ready.
- Speed Restrictions: The Chakradharpur Rail Division has been placed on high alert, with mandates to reduce train speeds during peak wind conditions.
- Passenger Assistance: Help desks are operational at major stations to provide passengers with service updates and assist with refund processes.
Railway officials are maintaining close coordination with the state governments of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh to monitor the storm's impact on the rail network.