Cyclone Alert / Cyclone Arnab: ECoR Activates War Room, Puts Rail Network on High Alert

Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has put in place extensive precautionary and safety measures to ensure passenger safety, protect railway infrastructure and maintain operational readiness in view of the likely impact of Cyclone Arnab on Odisha and Andhra Pradesh between October 27 and 29, officials said on Tuesday.

According to railway officials, districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are likely to be affected by the cyclonic system. Several railway sections under the Rayagada Railway Division have been identified as vulnerable, prompting enhanced monitoring and preparedness measures.

War Room Activated

A dedicated war room has been activated at Rail Sadan in Bhubaneswar, while 24-hour emergency control rooms are functioning at all divisional headquarters. Railway authorities have intensified inspections of tracks in vulnerable locations and deployed additional patrolmen and watchmen to monitor railway assets.

Senior officials have been assigned specific responsibilities to closely supervise sensitive railway sections and coordinate emergency response measures in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Emergency Resources Ready

To enable swift restoration of services, monsoon reserve trains, diesel locomotives, tower wagons, heavy machinery, engineering equipment and restoration materials have been strategically positioned across key locations.

Accident relief trains, medical teams, ambulances and first-aid facilities have also been kept on standby to address any emergency situation arising from the cyclone.

ECoR said it is maintaining constant coordination with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Odisha government to monitor the cyclone's movement and assess its potential impact on railway operations.

Train Operations Under Watch

The railway administration has directed station authorities to keep passengers informed about any changes in train services through public announcement systems and other communication channels.

As a precautionary measure, train movement may be regulated in affected sections depending on prevailing weather conditions and safety assessments. Additional operational measures will be implemented whenever necessary to ensure passenger safety.
Also Read: Ashwini Vaishnaw Reviews Rail Preparedness Ahead of Cyclone Arnab

Railway officials said ECoR is continuously monitoring the situation and has instructed all divisions and departments to remain prepared to respond to any exigency. The primary objective of the coordinated effort is to safeguard passengers and railway employees, protect railway infrastructure and restore normal train operations at the earliest after the cyclone passes.