In a significant move to ensure passenger safety, Indian Railways has taken preemptive action by cancelling more than 60 trains across multiple routes as Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. The decision comes amid weather department warnings about the storm's potential impact on coastal regions.
Safety First Approach
Railway authorities have emphasized that passenger safety remains their utmost priority during extreme weather conditions. "We are closely monitoring the situation and have decided to cancel several trains as a precautionary measure," stated a senior railway official.
Affected Regions and Routes
The cyclone's projected path is expected to affect several states along India's eastern coastline, leading to widespread cancellations of train services. Major routes connecting coastal cities with inland destinations have been temporarily suspended.
Key Impact Areas Include:
- Coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh routes
- Inter-state express trains
- Several long-distance passenger services
- Select freight operations
Passenger Advisory
Railway officials have urged passengers to check their train status before heading to stations. "Travelers with confirmed tickets on cancelled trains will receive full refunds automatically," assured the railway spokesperson.
The railways have also set up additional help desks at major stations to assist stranded passengers and provide real-time updates about restoration of services once the cyclone threat subsides.
Weather Department Warning
The India Meteorological Department has issued orange and yellow alerts for several coastal districts, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of 80-90 kmph along the affected regions.
Emergency response teams have been put on high alert, and disaster management authorities are coordinating with railway officials to minimize disruption and ensure public safety.
