Cyclone Arnab: South Coast Railway cancels 53 trains, sets up 24/7 war room

The South Coast Railway Zone has cancelled 53 trains and established a 24-hour war room as part of its preparations for the approaching very severe cyclonic storm Arnab, with heavy rainfall and strong winds expected to affect railway operations.

Sandeep Mathur, General Manager of the South Coast Railway Zone, reviewed disaster management preparations and precautionary measures to protect passengers, railway staff and train services. He held a meeting with four Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) and other officials to assess the zone's readiness.

According to an official press release issued on Monday, war rooms have been set up at the zonal headquarters and divisional headquarters to improve coordination and enable a prompt response to emergencies.

53 trains cancelled ahead of cyclone

The 53 cancelled trains were scheduled to run between various origin and destination points across the north Andhra region and Guntur.

The railway zone has also stepped up surveillance of vulnerable bridges, railway tracks, yards and signalling systems. Officials are clearing silt, vegetation and debris from catch-water drains and drainage channels to reduce the risk of waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

Patrol personnel and watchmen have been deployed at vulnerable locations, while emergency track maintenance materials have been stocked to support rapid repairs if required.

Mathur has directed railway officials to coordinate closely with state government authorities and keep monitoring weather advisories issued by the meteorological department.

Help desks, refunds and medical teams on standby

The South Coast Railway Zone has strengthened passenger assistance arrangements ahead of the storm. Help desks are being established at major stations to provide timely updates, while additional counters will be operated to facilitate refunds for cancelled tickets, where applicable.

Catering units have been instructed to maintain adequate food supplies. Alternative power arrangements have also been ensured, while medical teams, first-aid facilities and ambulances are being kept ready to provide emergency assistance around the clock.

Civil defence personnel and Scouts and Guides volunteers have been alerted, and railway crews are on standby to operate special trains if necessary.

Emergency response teams are also prepared to assist areas affected by the cyclone.

The railway zone said it would share timely updates through station help desks, helpline numbers and official communication channels.

Passengers are advised to check official railway updates before travelling, particularly if their journeys involve routes in north Andhra Pradesh or Guntur.

PTI