How is ECoR Preparing for Cyclone Montha?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ECoR has implemented safety measures in anticipation of Cyclone Montha.
- 32 trains have been canceled to prioritize passenger safety.
- Monitoring and emergency control rooms are active.
- Passengers should check train statuses regularly.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the cyclone period.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 27 (NationPress) The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has declared a series of precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding passenger well-being, as the cyclonic storm Montha is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coastline between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on the evening or night of October 28.
In a statement released by ECoR, it was highlighted that these measures include 24×7 monitoring and emergency control rooms established at all divisional headquarters, the deployment of restoration teams and extra personnel at significant stations, and the availability of relief materials at at-risk locations. Additional provisions for food, water, and shelters for stranded travelers, as well as the establishment of help desks and extra refund counters at major stations, have also been arranged.
The public is encouraged to verify the latest train operation updates via the National Train Enquiry System (NTES), the IRCTC website/app, or by reaching out to the nearest Railway Helpline before embarking on their journeys.
In a precautionary move, ECoR has also announced the cancellation of 32 trains to prioritize passenger safety amid the approaching cyclone.
“Due to the impending Cyclone ‘Montha’ and to ensure the safety of both passengers and train services, 32 trains have been cancelled, 1 train has been diverted, and 2 trains have been short-terminated on October 27 and 28, 2025,” noted ECoR on Monday.
Railway authorities are advising passengers to refrain from travel during the cyclone's impact.
“Travelers are urged to check the latest train status before starting their journey and to avoid non-essential travel during the cyclone period. This decision has been taken purely as a precautionary measure to guarantee the safety of passengers and railway assets,” ECoR added.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin, Cyclonic Storm Montha is currently situated over the Southwest and neighboring areas of the Westcentral and Southeast Bay of Bengal and is projected to move north-northwestward, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28.
The system is anticipated to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during the evening/night of October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained wind speeds ranging from 90-100 kmph, potentially gusting up to 110 kmph.
It is noteworthy that eight districts in southern Odisha—Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur—are expected to be significantly impacted by the approaching Cyclone ‘Montha’. Concurrently, various regions of the state will experience heavy rainfall resulting from the cyclonic system.
Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, has advised residents to remain calm regarding the imminent cyclonic storm ‘Montha’, assuring that all necessary preparations to mitigate its potential effects have been successfully put in place.