Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 27: Indian Railways has stepped up emergency preparedness as Cyclone Arnab approaches the eastern coast. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed arrangements before the storm’s expected landfall on October 28. Officially named TC02B, the cyclone may affect the South Coast and East Coast Railway zones.
Around 600 km of track across vulnerable stretches is now under close surveillance. These include sections falling under the Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam divisions.
War rooms have been activated at the zonal, divisional and Railway Board levels. They are tracking the situation round the clock. Wind speed and water levels are being recorded every hour to flag emerging risks. Officials said passenger safety remains the foremost priority.
To speed up restoration, wagons loaded with repair material have been stationed at six locations. These are Krishna Canal, Bitragunta, Mamidipudi, Visakhapatnam, Palasa and Ponduru.
Diesel locomotives, power units and ambulances are on standby at key junctions. Earthmovers, tree-cutting machines and restoration tools have been placed at short intervals. This will allow teams to respond quickly to any damage.
Senior officers have been deployed at strategic points to supervise field operations. The railways are also working closely with the National Disaster Response Force. State disaster management authorities are part of the coordinated response.
Officials said the measures aim to protect infrastructure and minimise disruption. Services will be restored safely once weather conditions permit.
