Standing by to deal with 'Phailin' fallout: Railways

Indian Railways today said it had taken the required steps and put its machinery on standby to manage operations in the areas which are likely to be affected by cyclone 'Phailin'.
According to a statement here, top Railway Board officials are constantly monitoring the situation and emergency control rooms have been activated at zonal and divisional levels for east coast, south-central and south-eastern zones.
General managers of these zones are personally supervising all arrangements, the statement said, adding that other zones have been put on alert to provide necessary support.
As a precautionary measure, 183 trains, including 96 mail and express trains, were fully cancelled while 22 trains have been partially cancelled, the statement said, adding that 26 trains had been diverted.

The decision to further cancel, divert or partially cancel trains will be taken after a review of the situation, the statement said. It added that that zonal railways are bringing out information bulletins at regular intervals and information was being uploaded on to websites.
Information helplines and refund counters were also being set up.

Rail minister Mallikarjun Kharge has asked for measures to be taken to ensure safety and convenience of the passengers, the statement said.
Emergency arrangement of food, drinking water, medical facility and relief and rescue operations have been made at various stations.
Accident Relief Trains and Accident Relief Medical Equipments are being kept ready at base stations, the statement said.