Cyclone Arnab: Massive Train Cancellations in South India
Cyclone Arnab triggers massive train cancellations across South Central and South Coast Railways. Check affected trains and safety updates here.
The intensifying Cyclone Arnab has thrown a massive wrench into rail operations across South India. As the storm moves through the west-central Bay of Bengal, the Indian Railways has been forced to cancel dozens of services to prevent any safety incidents during the impending landfall.
Severe Weather Warning and Landfall Details
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Arnab is expected to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by the morning of October 28, 2026. The storm is packing extremely high wind speeds, estimated to reach up to 150 kmph, posing a significant threat to coastal regions and rail infrastructure.
Massive Train Cancellations Announced
In response to the worsening weather conditions, railway authorities have implemented large-scale cancellations for October 27 and 28. The scale of the disruption is significant:
- South Central Railway (SCR): 11 trains cancelled.
- South Coast Railway: 53 trains cancelled.
Key Trains Affected
Several major long-distance services have been impacted by these cancellations. Passengers traveling on the following routes should take note:
- Secunderabad-Howrah Falaknuma Superfast Express
- Secunderabad-Bhubaneswar Visakha Express
- Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam Godavari Superfast Express
- Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express (Scheduled for departure on October 29)
Emergency Preparedness and Safety Measures
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reviewed the preparedness protocols to manage the crisis. Active war rooms have been established at the Zonal, Divisional, and Board levels to monitor operations round-the-clock.
Railway officials have also pre-positioned relief teams and essential materials at several strategic locations to respond to any emergencies. These locations include:
- Krishna Canal
- Bitragunta
- Mamidipudi
- Visakhapatnam
- Palasa
- Ponduru
The General Manager of South Central Railway has ordered all department heads to remain on high alert. Passengers are advised to stay alert and monitor their registered mobile numbers, as updates regarding diversions, rescheduling, or further cancellations will be sent directly via SMS.