Tropical Cyclone Dana to Batter Indian East Coast Tourism, as Railways Cancels 198 Trains

Published on October 22, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has taken immediate and comprehensive action to mitigate the impact of the severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana,’ which is expected to hit the Odisha coast on October 24. With a focus on ensuring passenger safety and minimizing disruptions to railway services, the ECoR has activated a round-the-clock Disaster Management Cell at its headquarters in Rail Sadan, Bhubaneswar, as well as at its divisional headquarters in Khurda Road, Visakhapatnam, and Sambalpur.

In anticipation of the storm’s impact, ECoR has announced the cancellation of 198 trains over three days—October 23, 24, and 25—affecting routes in the cyclone-prone areas. This decision has been made to prioritize passenger safety and to allow the railway to respond quickly to any damage to infrastructure caused by the storm.

Preparatory Measures and Safety Protocols

In a high-level preparatory meeting chaired by ECoR’s General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal on Tuesday, senior railway officials were instructed to take all necessary steps to ensure “Zero Risk to Passengers.” Funkwal emphasized the importance of deploying specialized teams to restore tracks, signaling systems, and electrification networks as quickly as possible after the cyclone passes.

To ensure continued train operations in the event of power outages, ECoR has put diesel locomotives on standby. Moreover, Emergency Control Rooms equipped with satellite phones have been set up to maintain communication during the crisis. The railway’s disaster management teams are prepared to tackle any infrastructural challenges, ensuring that any interruptions to services are resolved swiftly.

“ECoR has prioritized passenger safety by positioning specialized teams for the swift restoration of tracks, signaling systems, and electrification processes,” stated an official from ECoR. “In case of power outages, diesel locomotives will be on standby to ensure continued train operations. Emergency Control Rooms are operational around the clock, equipped with satellite phones to maintain communication during the crisis.”

Monitoring of Vulnerable Locations

ECoR is keeping a close watch on all railway stations between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam, where a red alert has been issued. Special attention is being given to railway bridges, tracks, yards, and overhead electrification (OHE) and signaling systems, which may be affected by heavy rainfall and strong winds associated with Cyclone Dana. Steps are being taken to ensure the clearance of silt, vegetation, and other obstructions from catch water and side drains to prevent flooding or damage to the railway infrastructure.

“Patrolling of railway tracks by patrolmen has been planned during heavy rain. They observe danger or interruption if any and protect the trains and traveling passengers from any unusual occurrence. Stationary patrolmen and watchmen have also been deployed at vulnerable locations,” explained the ECoR spokesperson. Mobile patrolmen are being deployed in vulnerable sections to keep the tracks safe.

The railway has also issued instructions to sectional gangmen, who are responsible for the maintenance of railway tracks, to organize patrolling in their respective areas during periods of heavy rain. This will help ensure that tracks remain safe for train passage and that necessary protective measures are taken in areas prone to washouts or landslides.

Materials and Equipment Stockpiled

ECoR has made arrangements for the stockpiling of sufficient quantities of cyclone reserve materials, such as boulders, sand, cinder, quarry dust, and ballast, at strategic locations. These materials will be used for the restoration of tracks, bridges, and other railway infrastructure affected by the cyclone. Additionally, specialized equipment and tools are being positioned at various points to facilitate quick repairs.

Recent Cyclone-Related Incidents

The impending impact of Cyclone Dana has heightened concerns due to recent cyclone-related train incidents in the region. On October 15, a flight traveling from Dammam to Lucknow made an emergency landing at Jaipur Airport due to a bomb threat. Similarly, on October 19, a Dubai to Jaipur flight faced similar challenges, underscoring the need for heightened preparedness.

Although these incidents involved air travel, they highlight the broader risks posed by severe weather conditions and the importance of comprehensive disaster management strategies, such as those being implemented by ECoR for the safety of train passengers.

Passenger Safety Remains a Priority

With Cyclone Dana approaching, the East Coast Railway is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring passenger safety and the swift restoration of services. Specialized teams, robust communication systems, and detailed patrol plans are in place to protect railway assets and travelers alike.

Passengers who had booked tickets on the canceled trains are being informed via official channels, and alternative travel arrangements are being provided where possible. As the cyclone looms closer, ECoR continues to coordinate closely with local authorities and meteorological agencies to ensure minimal disruption and maximum safety.

The proactive measures taken by ECoR illustrate the railway’s commitment to maintaining passenger safety and operational integrity, even in the face of extreme weather events like Cyclone Dana.