Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: As severe cyclonic storm Montha is about to make landfall, heavy rains and strong winds continue to lash coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha.

In response, Indian Railways has taken swift action to ensure passenger safety, cancelling and rescheduling several trains operating in the affected regions.

A total of 42 trains have been fully cancelled, while 2 trains have had their routes diverted, and 5 trains have been partially cancelled. Additionally, 8 trains have had their timings revised to avoid cyclone-related disruptions. Among the cancellations is the Konark Express (Train No. 11020), which will not operate on Tuesday.

Also read: Relentless Rain Triggers Landslide In Odisha's Gajapati

Railway authorities have urged passengers to check train status before beginning their journeys. To assist travellers, helpdesks have been set up at key stations under the Khurda Road (Jatani) and Waltair divisions. These include Palasa, Khurda Road, and Bhubaneswar in Odisha, and Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam Road, Duvvada, and Rayagada in Andhra Pradesh.

Eastern Coastal Railway has released a list of affected trains, including:

- Train No. 18516 (Kirandul–Visakhapatnam Express)

- Train No. 58501 (Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Passenger)

- Train No. 58502 (Kondrapol–Visakhapatnam Passenger)

- Train No. 58538 (Visakhapatnam–Koraput Passenger)

- Train No. 58537 (Koraput–Visakhapatnam Passenger)

- Train No. 18511 (Koraput–Visakhapatnam Express)

- Train No. 67285 (Rajahmundry–Visakhapatnam MEMU)

- Train No. 67286 (Visakhapatnam–Rajahmundry MEMU)

- Train No. 17268 (Visakhapatnam–Kakinada Express)

- Train No. 08584 (Tirupati–Visakhapatnam Express)

- Train No. 22875 (Visakhapatnam–Guntur Double Decker Express)

Passengers can contact station-specific helplines for assistance. Key helpline numbers include:

- Visakhapatnam: 0891-2746330, 0891-2744619

- Vizianagaram: 08922-221202

- Srikakulam Road: 08942-286213, 08942-286245

- Duvvada: 0891-2883456

- Rayagada: 0891-2885744, 0891-2885755

- Koraput: 0891-2884318, 0891-2884319

- Jagdalpur: 0891-2884714, 0891-2884715

- Bobbili: 0891-2883323, 0891-2883325

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have advised travellers to stay updated through official railway channels. The safety of passengers remains the top priority as Cyclone Montha continues to impact the region.