Cyclone Montha: In view of the Cyclone MONTHA over the Southwest and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal, which is likely to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by 28th October and cross Andhra Pradesh Coast near Kakinada by the evening/night, Khurda Road Division of East Coast Railway (ECoR) has taken extensive precautionary measures to ensure the safety and security of passengers and railway assets.
Khurda Road Division has activated Round-the-Clock Emergency Control Rooms at its headquarters for close monitoring of the situation. The Disaster Management Cell at Rail Sadan is functioning 24×7 for coordination and real-time assessment. Satellite communication systems have been kept ready to maintain uninterrupted connectivity during the cyclone.
High-Level Review and Safety Directives
ECoR Additional General Manager Shri B. Srikrishna Rajkumar chaired a high-level meeting with Divisional Railway Manager, Khurda Road Shri Alok Tripathi and reviewed the preparedness measures. He emphasized ensuring zero risk to passengers, instructing all field units to remain in maximum alert mode. Special teams have been mobilized for immediate restoration of tracks, signaling systems, OHE and electrification infrastructure after the cyclone’s impact.
Structural and On-Ground Safety Measures
- All hoardings, loose sheets and construction materials near Railway premises are being secured.
- FoB and CoP roofing sheets are being tied down with wind restraints.
- Structural integrity of advertisement hoardings is being rechecked, particularly those recently relocated due to developmental works.
- Trees close to railway tracks are being trimmed to avoid obstruction.
Low-lying and water logging-prone areas are being closely monitored with drainage lines cleared for smooth water passage.
Train Operations and Passenger Safety
Train services in cyclone-affected areas will be cancelled, partially cancelled, diverted or regulated enroute depending on wind intensity and track safety. Diesel locomotives are on standby to ensure uninterrupted train movement in case of power disruption. ECoR appeals to passengers to check train status through NTES, IRCTC website and ECoR’s official social media handles for the latest updates.
- 18526/18525 Visakhapatnam-Brahmapur-Visakhapatnam Express from Visakhapatnam on 27th & from Brahmapur on 28th October will remain cancelled.
- 20805/20806 Visakhapatnam-Amritsar-Visakhapatnam Express from Visakhapatnam on 27th & from Amritsar on 29th October will remain cancelled.
- 67289/67290 Visakhapatnam-Palasa-Visakhapatnam MEMU & 58531/58532 Brahmapur-Visakhapatnam-Brahmapur Passenger from both sides on 28th October 2025 will remain cancelled.
- 68433/68434 Cuttack-Gunupur-Cuttack MEMU from Cuttack on 28th & from Gunupur on 29th October 2025 will remain cancelled.
- 18463 Bhubaneswar-Bengaluru Prashanti Express, 17015 Bhubaneswar-Secunderabad Visakha Express and 20851 Bhubaneswar-PuducherrybExpress from Bhubaneswar on 28th October 2025 will remain cancelled.
- 18447 Bhubaneswar-Jagadalpur Hirakhand Express from Bhubaneswar on 27th October 2025 will run up to Rayagada and will remain cancelled from Rayagada to Jagadalpur.
Field-Level Vigilance and Resource Mobilization
• Track Patrolling: Patrolmen have been deployed round the clock at vulnerable locations to monitor track safety. Sectional gangmen have been instructed to organize patrols during heavy rainfall.
• Material Readiness: Sufficient quantities of cyclone/monsoon reserve materials like boulders, ballast, sand, and quarry dust have been stocked at identified depots. Engineering relief vans, CC cribs, and relieving girders are kept ready for emergency use.
• Heavy Machinery: Diesel locomotives, tower wagons, and other heavy machines are pre-positioned at strategic points for quick restoration work.
• Coordination: The Khurda Road Control Office is maintaining constant liaison with the Meteorological Department, State Disaster Management Authorities, and field staff for real-time updates.
Priority to Passenger Safety
Khurda Road Division of East Coast Railway reiterates that passenger safety remains the topmost priority. The Division will take all necessary measures to safeguard railway infrastructure and ensure early restoration of train operations post-cyclone.
Passengers are requested to avoid unnecessary travel during the cyclone period and follow updates from official railway communication channels.
