Daijiworld Media Network - Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, Oct 27: South Coast Railway has announced the cancellation of 53 train services on October 27 and 28 as a precautionary measure amid the approaching Cyclone Arnab.
The railway zone issued Bulletin No. 1 from its headquarters in Visakhapatnam on October 26, citing a cyclone warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cancellations affect passenger services operating across several routes in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring areas.
The affected routes include those connecting Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Machilipatnam, Gudivada, Bhimavaram, Nidadavolu, Narasapur, Guntur, Tenali and Visakhapatnam. While several services have been listed for cancellation on October 27, others are scheduled to be cancelled on October 28. Some services are affected on both days.
The bulletin also mentions changes involving the PSA-Visakhapatnam MEMU service and its linked connection to the Visakhapatnam-Vizianagaram route following the cancellation of the Rajahmundry-Visakhapatnam-Rajahmundry MEMU services.
South Coast Railway General Manager Sandeep Mathur reviewed the zone's cyclone preparedness and disaster management measures at a meeting attended by Divisional Railway Managers of all four divisions and Principal Heads of Departments.
Officials have been instructed to prioritise passenger safety, protect railway personnel and ensure safe train operations during adverse weather conditions. Railway authorities are also coordinating with state government agencies and monitoring weather updates.
Round-the-clock surveillance has been intensified at vulnerable railway bridges, tracks, yards and signalling systems. Patrolmen and watchmen have been deployed at sensitive locations, while emergency track maintenance materials have been stocked for immediate use. Drainage channels and catch-water drains are also being cleared of silt, vegetation and debris.
South Coast Railway has activated 24-hour war rooms at its zonal and divisional headquarters to coordinate emergency responses. Railway crews have been kept on standby to operate special trains if required, depending on weather conditions and operational needs.
Passenger assistance arrangements have also been strengthened, with help desks planned at major stations and additional counters to facilitate refunds for cancelled tickets, wherever applicable. Catering units have been instructed to maintain adequate food stocks, while medical teams, ambulances and first-aid facilities have been kept ready. Civil Defence personnel and Scouts and Guides volunteers have also been alerted for emergency support.
Passengers travelling on October 27 and 28 have been advised to check the latest train status through official railway communication channels before leaving for stations, as further changes may be made depending on the evolving cyclone situation.