Cyclone 'Arnab': South Coast Railway Cancels 53 Trains, Sets Up 24/7 War Room

The South Coast Railway Zone has established a 24/7 war room and cancelled 53 trains as part of precautionary measures ahead of the approaching very severe cyclonic storm 'Arnab', prioritising passenger safety and the protection of railway infrastructure.

South Coast Railway General Manager Sandeep Mathur reviewed disaster preparedness with four Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) and other officials. War rooms have been set up at the zonal and divisional headquarters to strengthen coordination and ensure a prompt response to emergencies.

The cancelled services were scheduled to operate between various destinations from north Andhra Pradesh to Guntur. The railway zone has intensified round-the-clock surveillance of vulnerable bridges, tracks, yards and signalling systems to minimise the risk of cyclone-related damage.

Patrol personnel and watchmen have been deployed at vulnerable locations, while silt, vegetation and debris are being cleared from catch-water drains and drainage channels to prevent waterlogging. Adequate stocks of emergency track-maintenance materials have also been arranged to facilitate urgent repairs.

Passenger assistance measures include help desks at major stations and additional counters to process refunds for cancelled tickets. Catering units have been instructed to maintain sufficient food stocks, while alternative power supplies, medical teams, first-aid facilities and ambulances are being kept ready for emergencies.

Civil defence personnel, Scouts and Guides volunteers and railway crews have been alerted. Emergency response teams are also on standby to assist affected areas, while railway crews may operate special trains if required.

Officials are coordinating with state government authorities and monitoring meteorological advisories. Updates will be shared through station help desks, helpline numbers and official communication channels. However, the announced arrangements do not independently establish whether passengers are consistently receiving timely updates.

Technology could further strengthen cyclone preparedness through real-time weather monitoring, smart sensors on tracks and bridges, AI-based risk prediction, drones for infrastructure inspections and digital passenger alerts. These systems could help authorities identify hazards earlier, make informed decisions on train operations and restore services safely.

The railway zone's immediate priority remains safeguarding passengers, railway personnel and infrastructure while preparing for potential disruptions caused by the cyclone.