New Delhi: In anticipation of Cyclone ‘Dana,’ set to strike the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal, the Ministry of Railways has ramped up preparedness measures to ensure the safety of passengers and minimize disruptions to railway services. A high-level meeting was conducted, chaired by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, to review the readiness of key railway zones. The meeting included participation from the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, all Board Members, General Managers of East Coast Railway and South Eastern Railway, and Divisional Railway Managers from Kharagpur, Chakradharpur, Adra, and Khurda Road.
The Minister instructed the concerned Zonal Railways to ensure maximum preparedness with minimal disruption. “Safety and minimal inconvenience to passengers are our top priorities,” stated Vaishnaw, emphasizing the need for swift and coordinated action.
Key Preparations and Safety Measures
Both East Coast Railway and South Eastern Railway detailed their cyclone response plans, which include:
- Round-the-Clock War Rooms: Dedicated War Rooms have been established at state headquarters in Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, along with divisional offices in Khurda Road, Visakhapatnam, Sambalpur, Chakradharpur, Adra, Ranchi, Kharagpur, and Balasore. These war rooms, staffed by officers from engineering, signaling, operating, commercial, and railway protection forces, will enable rapid decision-making and early restoration of services. Emergency communication will be maintained through 20 satellite phones with power backup, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
- Specialized Teams for Track and Signal Restoration: Teams are positioned at critical locations like Soro, Jaleswar, and other key stations to ensure the quick restoration of tracks, signaling systems, and electrification. Diesel locomotives are on standby in case of power outages.
- Strategic Deployment of Over 600 Railway Staff: Railway staff have been deployed at strategic locations such as Bokaro Steel City, Nimpura, Rajgoda, Adra, and more, with stocks of essential materials like boulders, ballast, and sand to aid in rapid recovery. Relief vans, heavy machinery, and trolleys are also ready to respond to any emergencies.
- Evacuations and Safety Measures: Passenger safety is a priority, with standby buses arranged for evacuations from high-risk areas. Continuous monitoring of stations along the Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam corridor, a region under a red alert, is underway to prevent potential damage. Stations in adjacent divisions like Chakradharpur, Adra, and Kharagpur are also on high alert.
- Track Patrolling and Power Arrangements: Continuous track patrolling will be conducted from 6 PM on October 22 to 6 PM on October 25, with extensions as necessary. DG power has been arranged for sections like Kharagpur-Panskura and Tamluk-Digha to ensure minimal disruption to services. Dewatering pumps are placed at key stations, and large billboards and hoardings are being removed as a safety precaution.
Train Cancellations and Passenger Assistance
Numerous train services have been cancelled, diverted, or short-terminated to minimize risks to passengers. Railways have set up help desks at key stations including Puri, Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Paradip. Passengers are advised to monitor official channels for real-time updates.
Frequent announcements will be made to keep passengers informed, and adequate arrangements for food, water, and baby supplies have been made at major stations to assist those affected by potential delays.
Medical Teams and Emergency Supplies
Medical teams equipped with chlorine tablets, bleaching powder, and essential medicines are stationed at locations such as Mecheda, Tamluk, Kharagpur, and Balasore. Adequate water supplies have also been ensured for both passengers and residents of railway colonies.
The Ministry of Railways, in coordination with other government agencies, remains on high alert and is closely monitoring the situation as Cyclone Dana approaches.