Railways on high alert as Cyclone ‘Montha’ nears East Coast

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed preparations as Cyclone Montha approaches Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana. Railway zones were told to activate war rooms, ready emergency teams, and ensure passenger safety while keeping train services running with minimal disruption

Hyderabad: Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw had on Tuesday reviewed the preparedness of railway zones in view of the approaching Cyclone ‘Montha’, expected to impact parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana along the East Coast.

During the review held in New Delhi, the Minister directed all concerned railway zones to adopt stringent precautionary and safety measures to ensure passenger security and operational continuity.

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The key directives issued included activation of divisional war rooms to monitor the cyclone’s movement and coordinate response efforts, readying essential materials, machinery, and manpower, particularly in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Guntur divisions. The officials were asked to continuously monitor train operations to minimise passenger inconvenience and service disruptions.

The East Coast Railway (ECoR), South Central Railway (SCR), and South Coast Railway (SCoR) zones were instructed to mobilise emergency resources and take all necessary safety precautions.