Indian Railways gears up to manage railway operations in cyclone-affected areas

The Indian Railways that has geared up its machinery to manage railway operations in the areas affected by cyclonic storm "Phailin" has as a precautionary measure cancelled 99 trains, including 46 mail and express trains, while 12 trains have been partially cancelled and 25 trains have been diverted so far.

The decision to further cancel/divert/partially cancel trains will be taken after regular review of the situation. Zonal railways are bringing out information bulletins informing about these developments at regular intervals. The information is being uploaded on websites of respective zonal railways. Helplines are being set up to provide information to the public. Additional refund counters are being set up to expedite fare refund.

Railways Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, who was appraised of the situation, has given instructed to the railway administration to take all precautionary measures to ensure safety and convenience of passengers.

Railway Board at headquarters-level is constantly monitoring the situation. The severely affected railway zones namely East Coast Railway (HQ- Bhubaneswar) South Central Railway (HQ-Secunderabad) South Eastern Railway (HQ-Kolkata) have activated emergency control rooms at zone level as well as at division level. The General Managers of these zones are personally monitoring and supervising all arrangements. The other zones are also on alert to provide necessary support.

Control teams comprising of officers/supervisors and staff of different departments are active round the clock for management of emergent situation. Affected sections are being sanitized. Local emergency arrangement of food, drinking water, medical facility and relief and rescue operations have been made at concerned stations. Diesel engines are positioned at select places as stand by. Accident Relief Train/Accident Relief Medical Equipments are being kept ready at their base stations. Power cars have been positioned at concerned locations. Diesel Generator sets have been positioned at controlling stations for lighting and signaling purposes. Satellite phones have been provided and made functional at Zonal HQ.

Emergency stores items like - Tarpaulins, blankets, bed sheets, GI wires, gloves, Kerosene oil, torch, bleaching powder etc. have been supplied at the controlling stations. Engineering materials for relief and rescue operation have been loaded and kept ready to meet emergent requirement.