Railways cancels nine trains as Cyclone Murasu approaches Andhra Pradesh
South Coast Railway has established 24x7 war rooms and help desks to manage emergency responses and passenger assistance.
Indian Railways has cancelled nine trains as a precaution against Cyclone Murasu, which is expected to make landfall on Tuesday morning, according to The Indian Express.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a bulletin stating the storm may become a very severe cyclonic storm before hitting the coast between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh on November 3. Wind speeds are projected to reach 100-110 kmph, with gusts hitting 120 kmph.
South Coast Railway (SCoR) General Manager Sandeep Mathur reviewed disaster management plans and passenger assistance on Monday. The zone has set up 24x7 war rooms at zonal and divisional headquarters to coordinate emergency responses.
Safety measures include round-the-clock monitoring of tracks, bridges, and signalling systems, alongside the deployment of patrolmen at vulnerable spots. The railway has also prepared medical teams, ambulances, and first-aid facilities for emergency use.
At major stations, help desks are being set up to assist passengers, and additional counters may operate for ticket refunds. Catering units have been told to maintain food stocks and ensure alternative power supplies.
The nine cancelled services include the Vijayawada–Gudur Passenger (67225) on November 2, the Gudur–Vijayawada Passenger (67226) on November 3, the Vijayawada–Gudur Express (12744) on November 2, and the Gudur–Vijayawada Express (12743) on November 3. Other cancellations involve the Guntur–Tenali Passenger (67235) on November 2, Tenali–Guntur Passenger (67236) on November 3, Tenali–Repalle Passenger (67237) on November 2, Repalle–Markapur Passenger (67238) on November 3, and the Markapur–Tenali Passenger (67239) on November 3.