As Cyclone Dana approaches the eastern coast of India, Indian Railways has mobilized a comprehensive set of emergency measures to safeguard operations and ensure passenger safety across Odisha and West Bengal. Anticipating potential damage from high winds, heavy rain, and flooding, the railways have established 24/7 control centers and deployed specialized teams to minimize disruption and expedite recovery efforts.
War Rooms and Control Centers: Round-the-Clock Monitoring
Dedicated war rooms have been set up at strategic locations, including Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, as well as divisional offices in key areas like Khurda Road, Visakhapatnam, Sambalpur, and Ranchi. These centers are fully staffed by officers from engineering, operations, commercial, and Railway Protection Force (RPF) departments, ensuring quick decision-making and response coordination. Equipped with satellite phones, they maintain continuous communication with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to receive real-time weather updates. This close coordination is critical for assessing risks and adjusting operations as the cyclone approaches.
Swift Track Restoration and Emergency Response Teams
To address potential damage, specialized teams have been positioned in high-risk areas such as Soro and Jaleswar. Over 600 railway staff members are on standby with essential materials—such as boulders, ballast, and sand—prepped for immediate use. Diesel locomotives have also been readied in case of power failures, ensuring trains can continue running even if electrified systems are compromised. Relief vans, heavy machinery, and emergency trolleys have been mobilized, and a special train carrying relief material is stationed in Kharagpur for rapid deployment if needed.
Coastal Stations Under Watch
Railway stations along the Bhubaneswar–Visakhapatnam corridor, which is under red alert, are being closely monitored for any signs of damage from flooding or heavy winds. Divisions including Chakradharpur, Adra, and Kharagpur are also on high alert. Railway officials are keeping a sharp eye on bridges, tracks, and signalling systems, clearing drainage channels of silt and debris to reduce the risk of water damage. Standby vehicles have been positioned at key locations like Balasore and Digha to assist in passenger evacuations if necessary.
Power Backup and De-Watering Preparations
In anticipation of power outages, diesel generator units have been arranged for key sections of the railway network, including Kharagpur–Panskura and Tamluk–Digha. De-watering pumps have also been stationed at vulnerable stations, such as Tamluk and Balasore, to combat potential waterlogging. To prevent accidents from high winds, large hoardings and billboards are being removed from station areas.
Train Services Disrupted, Safety Prioritized
Several train services have already been canceled, diverted, or short-terminated as a precautionary measure, with more changes expected as the cyclone approaches. Continuous track-patrolling will be conducted from October 22 through October 25, ensuring that any damage is quickly identified and addressed. Depending on wind conditions, trains may be halted at stations to avoid accidents, with passenger safety as the top priority. Help desks have been set up at major stations, such as Puri and Bhubaneswar, to assist travelers, and regular announcements are keeping passengers informed of any service changes.
Medical and Food Arrangements for Stranded Passengers
Medical teams have been stationed at several key stations, including Kharagpur and Balasore, equipped with essential supplies such as chlorine tablets and medicines. Food and water provisions, including baby food, have been stocked at major stations to support passengers who may experience delays due to the cyclone. Water tanks have also been placed at key stations to ensure a continuous supply during the storm.
Government Ensures Maximum Preparedness
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has emphasized the importance of minimizing disruptions while ensuring the safety of passengers. He has urged officials to focus on rapid restoration of normal services once the cyclone passes, with the goal of restoring normalcy as quickly as possible. “Maximum preparedness with minimal disruption” is the guiding principle, the minister said, highlighting the need for swift recovery and passenger welfare throughout the cyclone’s impact.
As Cyclone Dana looms, Indian Railways is taking no chances, implementing extensive precautionary measures across its network to ensure that both passengers and infrastructure remain safe during this extreme weather event.
