The South Central Railway (SCR) has issued a comprehensive travel advisory for passengers in anticipation of Cyclone Arnab, which is projected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall across several districts in Telangana, prompting enhanced safety measures by railway authorities.
Cyclone Arnab is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast, specifically between Kakinada and Visakhapatnam near Yanam, during the morning of October 28. It is forecast to be a very severe cyclonic storm, posing significant risks to the region.
SCR Enhances Safety and Preparedness
In response to the severe weather warnings, SCR General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava convened a review meeting with key officials, including Dr. R. Gopalakrishnan, Divisional Railway Manager of the Secunderabad Division. The discussions focused on bolstering preparedness across critical areas.
- Infrastructure Review: Vulnerable railway sections and bridges have been thoroughly inspected.
- Patrol Teams: Arrangements for deploying dedicated patrol teams are in place.
- Water Level Monitoring: Officials assessed water levels at sensitive locations to prevent flooding.
- Emergency Equipment: Bulldozers, sandbags, and ballast rakes are strategically positioned for rapid deployment.
- Relief Readiness: Accident Relief Trains (ARTs) and Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARMEs) are on standby at Kazipet and Dornakal to address potential emergencies.
Department heads across operations, engineering, electrical, mechanical, commercial, and medical services have been instructed to maintain high alert. Supervisors are tasked with continuously monitoring train operations, bridge conditions, and water levels.
Impact on Train Services and Affected Regions
The cyclone is likely to affect parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and neighboring areas, leading to significant disruptions in train operations. The IMD's red alert specifically targets Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mulugu, and Mahabubabad districts for October 28. Heavy rainfall is also anticipated in Warangal, Hanamkonda, Suryapet, and Nalgonda on both October 28 and 29.
Passengers should anticipate potential cancellations, diversions, or rescheduling of trains operating through these affected sections.
Advisory for Passengers
SCR advises all rail passengers to exercise caution and plan their journeys meticulously. It is crucial to stay updated on the latest train schedules and statuses before commencing travel. Information regarding any changes will be communicated via SMS alerts to registered mobile numbers.
Passengers can also access real-time train status updates through official railway applications and websites, including IRCTC, RailOne, and NTES. For immediate assistance, the railway enquiry helpline at 139 remains operational.