With the severe cyclone ‘Dana’ expected to hit the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal, the Ministry of Railways has launched a proactive strategy to minimise its impact on railway operations and ensure passenger safety. In a high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, alongside senior officials from East Coast Railway and South Eastern Railway, the preparedness of these regions was reviewed in detail. The meeting focused on reducing disruptions, safeguarding passengers, and ensuring swift restoration of services.
War Rooms and Emergency Control Centers
To manage the cyclone’s potential fallout, dedicated 24/7 war rooms have been established at key locations including Bhubaneswar and Garden Reach (Kolkata), as well as divisional offices in Khurda Road, Visakhapatnam, Sambalpur, Chakradharpur, Adra, Ranchi, Kharagpur, and Balasore. These war rooms are staffed with officers from engineering, signalling and telecommunications (S&T), operations, commercial, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), ensuring that any decision related to cyclone impacts can be made swiftly.
The war rooms are equipped with satellite phones for uninterrupted communication and are maintaining close coordination with the India Meteorological Department to receive real-time updates. This allows the railway authorities to mobilise resources and make quick decisions regarding service restoration and infrastructure protection.
Track Restoration and Emergency Response Teams
Specialised teams have been positioned at critical locations such as Soro, Jaleswar, and other key stations to ensure the swift restoration of tracks, signalling systems, and electrification, should they be affected by the cyclone. Diesel locomotives are also on standby to maintain train operations in case of power outages. Over 600 staff members have been deployed at strategic sites across Odisha and West Bengal, with materials such as boulders, ballast, and sand stockpiled for immediate use in restoration efforts.
In addition, relief vans, 49 heavy machinery units, and emergency trolleys have been prepped to respond to any situation. A scratch rake— a special train for carrying relief material—has been assembled and stationed at Kharagpur for rapid deployment if needed.
Monitoring Coastal Stations and Infrastructure
Railway stations along the Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam corridor, an area under red alert, are being closely monitored. Neighbouring divisions, including Chakradharpur and Adra, are on high alert alongside the Kharagpur division. Railway authorities are keeping a close watch on bridges, tracks, yards, and signalling systems to prevent damage from flooding and heavy rains.
As part of precautionary measures, catchment drains and side drains are being cleared of silt and vegetation. Standby vehicles have been placed at strategic locations such as Soro, Balasore, Jaleswar, Kharagpur, and Digha to facilitate passenger evacuations or any emergency transport needs.
Power Backup and De-Watering Measures
DG (diesel generator) power units have been arranged to provide backup in sections such as Kharagpur-Panskura, Kharagpur-Bhadrak, Tamluk-Haldia, and Tamluk-Digha. De-watering pumps will be stationed at key stations including Tamluk, Panskura, and Balasore to tackle potential waterlogging. Additionally, large hoardings and billboards are being removed from major station areas to prevent accidents due to strong winds.
Train Services and Passenger Safety
In anticipation of the cyclone, several train services have been cancelled, diverted, or short-terminated to minimise the risk to passengers. Continuous track-patrolling will begin from the evening of October 22 and continue through October 25, and potentially longer if required. Trains may be controlled or stopped at stations depending on wind conditions, with safety being the top priority.
The Ministry of Railways has also set up Help Desks at important stations such as Puri, Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack, with dedicated phone numbers for passengers seeking assistance. Frequent public announcements are being made to keep passengers updated on travel advisories and safety measures.
Medical and Food Arrangements
Medical teams equipped with chlorine tablets, bleach, and essential medicines have been positioned at Mecheda, Tamluk, Kharagpur, and Balasore to handle any medical emergencies. Food arrangements, including baby food, have been made at all major stations to cater to passengers on trains that may be delayed or controlled due to the cyclone. Water tanks of adequate capacity have also been placed at key stations and railway colonies to ensure an uninterrupted water supply.
Minister’s Directive: Ensure Maximum Preparedness
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has emphasised the importance of maximum preparedness with minimal disruption, ensuring that every measure is taken to reduce inconvenience to passengers. He instructed officials to prioritise safety and focus on rapid recovery once the cyclone passes, highlighting the need for minimal service interruptions and swift restoration of normalcy.
The Ministry of Railways, in coordination with state governments and the meteorological department, remains on high alert as Cyclone ‘Dana’ approaches. Through comprehensive preparedness, relief operations, and a robust infrastructure response plan, Indian Railways is taking all necessary steps to mitigate the cyclone’s impact and ensure the safety of passengers.