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Bhubaneswar, Oct 27 (IANS) East Coast Railway (ECOR) on Monday announced the implementation of several precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety as the impending cyclonic storm Monta 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 ECoR on Monday, the measures include 24×7 surveillance and emergency control rooms at all divisional headquarters, deployment of restoration teams and additional staff at major stations, preparation of relief material at vulnerable locations, arrangement of food, water and shelters for stranded passengers, and operation of help desks and additional refund counters at major stations.
Passengers are advised to check the latest train running updates through National Train Inquiry System (NTES), IRCTC website/app or contact the nearest railway helpline before starting their journey.
ECoR on Monday announced the cancellation of 32 trains to ensure the safety of passengers during the impending cyclonic storm.
“In view of the impending 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 27 and 28 October 2025,” ECoR said on Monday.
Railways also advised passengers to avoid traveling during the cyclone period.
ECoR further said, “Passengers are advised to check the latest status of trains before starting their journey and 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.”
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin, Cyclonic Storm Montha, which is located over southwest and adjoining areas of west central 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 Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada as a severe cyclonic storm during the evening/night of October 28, with maximum speed reaching 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.
Notably, eight districts of southern Odisha – Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur – will be most affected due to the impending cyclonic storm ‘Montha’. Meanwhile, the cyclonic system will cause heavy rain in many parts of the state.
Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday appealed to the people not to panic over the impending cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ and assured that all necessary preparations have been finalized to deal with its possible impact.
–IANS
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