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Cyclone Montha Threatens Odisha Coast: How Railways Are Preparing

The East Coast Railway has implemented extensive safety measures as Cyclone Montha approaches the coast. Emergency control rooms are operating round-the-clock while restoration teams stand ready at key stations. Passengers are advised to check train status before traveling and avoid unnecessary journeys during the cyclone period. The cyclone is expected to affect eight districts in southern Odisha with heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Key Points: ECoR Cancels 32 Trains as Cyclone Montha Approaches Odisha

  • Emergency control rooms activated at all divisional headquarters for 24/7 monitoring
  • Restoration teams and additional staff deployed at key railway stations
  • 32 trains cancelled, 1 diverted, and 2 short-terminated for passenger safety
  • Food, water, and shelter arrangements made for potentially stranded passengers
3 min read

Odisha: ECoR gears up for cyclone Montha; emergency teams on standby

East Coast Railway cancels 32 trains, deploys emergency teams as Cyclone Montha approaches Andhra-Odisha coast. Safety measures include 24/7 control rooms and passenger advisories.

"This decision has been taken purely as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and railway property - ECoR"

Bhubaneswar, Oct 27

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Monday announced the implementation of several precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety, as the impending cyclonic storm Montha is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada during the evening or night of October 28.

According to a statement issued by the ECoR on Monday, the measures include 24×7 monitoring and emergency control rooms at all divisional headquarters, deployment of restoration teams and additional staff at key stations, readiness of relief materials at vulnerable locations, arrangements of food, water, and shelters for stranded passengers, and operation of help desks and additional refund counters at major stations.

The passengers have also been advised to check the latest train running updates through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES), IRCTC website/app, or contact the nearest Railway Helpline before starting their journey.

The ECoR on Monday announced the cancellation of 32 trains to ensure the safety of the passengers during the impending cyclonic storm.

"In view of the approaching Cyclone 'Montha' and to ensure the safety of passengers and train operations, 32 trains have been cancelled, 1 train has been diverted, and 2 trains have been short-terminated on 27th and 28th October 2025," informed the ECoR on Monday.

The Railways also advised the passengers to avoid travelling during the cyclone period.

"Passengers are advised to check the latest train status before commencing their journey and to avoid unnecessary travel during the cyclone period. This decision has been taken purely as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and railway property," ECoR further added.

As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin, the Cyclonic Storm Montha, which lies over the Southwest and adjoining areas of the Westcentral and Southeast Bay of Bengal, is likely to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28.

The system is very likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during the evening/night of October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90- 100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.

Notably, as many as eight districts of southern Odisha- Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur- will be affected most due to the impending cyclonic storm 'Montha'. Meanwhile, several parts of the state will witness heavy rainfall due to the cyclonic system.

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday urged people not to panic over the impending cyclonic storm 'Montha', assuring that all necessary preparations to tackle its possible impact have been finalised.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the precautions are appreciated, I hope the relief arrangements are actually functional on ground. During last year's cyclone, many passengers faced issues with food and water at stations. Hope they've learned from past experiences.
S
Suresh O
As someone from Ganjam district, I can say these preparations are crucial. Our area gets severely affected during cyclones. Thank you railways for being prepared this time. Stay safe everyone! 🌪️
M
Michael C
Impressive disaster management planning by Indian Railways. The 24x7 control rooms and emergency teams show good preparedness. Hope all passengers heed the travel advisory.
A
Ananya R
My train to Visakhapatnam was among the cancelled ones. Initially disappointed, but now I understand it's for our safety. Better to be safe than sorry! Thanks railways for putting passenger safety first.
K
Karthik V
The IMD predictions seem accurate so far. Hope the people in the 8 affected districts of Odisha stay safe. Good that railways are coordinating with disaster management authorities. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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