Bhubaneswar: With cyclone Arnab nearing towards the coast, services of 22 trains have been cancelled as a safety measure, East Coast Railway (ECoR) said on Tuesday.
Altogether 22 express and passenger train services connecting Visakhapatnam, Secunderabad, Kirandul, Jagdalpur, Raurkela, Sambalpur, Rayagada, Howrah, Bhubaneswar and Koraput will remain cancelled or regulated on different dates between October 27 and November 5.
Similarly, Bhubaneswar–Jagdalpur Hirakhand Express will be short-terminated at Rayagada from October 27 to 30 and Jagdalpur–Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express will originate from Rayagada instead of Jagdalpur from October 28 to 31.
Passengers are advised to take note of these changes while planning their journeys. For the latest train related updates, passengers may visit the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or check the official Indian Railways website before commencing their journey.
Meanwhile, ECoR has strengthened its preparedness to meet the possible impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’, likely to affect Odisha and Andhra Pradesh during October 27–29.
Five districts of Odisha — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri — are likely to be affected, with most vulnerable railway areas falling under Rayagada Division.
A Disaster Management Cell has been activated at Rail Sadan, Bhubaneswar, while round-the-clock War Rooms are functioning at divisional headquarters. Enhanced patrolling and additional patrolmen and watchmen have been deployed at vulnerable locations. Officers have been nominated to supervise sensitive sections and ensure prompt response to emergencies.
Monsoon reserve trains, diesel locomotives, tower wagons, heavy machinery, engineering equipment and restoration materials have been kept ready at strategic locations. Accident Relief Trains, medical teams, ambulances and first-aid facilities are also being kept ready. Continuous coordination with the Meteorological Department and the Government of Odisha is being maintained to monitor cyclone developments.
Station officials have been instructed to keep passengers informed about changes in train services through public address systems. Necessary precautions are being taken to ensure passenger safety, protect railway infrastructure and facilitate prompt restoration of services.
As a precautionary measure in view of the anticipated weather conditions, train services will be regulated.
Further operational measures will be taken as required, depending on the prevailing weather conditions and safety assessments.
ECoR said it is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed all concerned departments and divisions to remain prepared for any eventuality. These coordinated measures are aimed at safeguarding passengers and railway employees, protecting railway assets and ensuring the earliest possible restoration of normal train operations after the cyclone subsides.
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