The Railway Ministry has taken proactive measures in response to the impending severe cyclonic storm ‘Michaung.’ In order to address the challenges posed by the powerful storm, the ministry has established an emergency control cell in Chennai and a dedicated war room at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi.
A statement released by the Railway Ministry on Monday (December 4) informed that the comprehensive readiness of the Indian Railways to ensure the smooth and safe operation of railways in areas expected to be impacted by Cyclone ‘Michaung.’ As part of their disaster management preparedness, the ministry has instituted an emergency control cell at the divisional and headquarters levels.
“The Indian Railways has geared up its entire machinery in a big way to ensure and manage smooth and safe railway operations in the areas likely to be affected by the cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’,” a statement issued by the Railway Ministry said.
“The Indian Railways as part of its preparedness for cyclone-related disaster management has set up an emergency control cell at the divisional/HQ level with officers from Operating, Commercial, Engineering, Electrical, Signal/Telecommunications, Security, etc. branches in each shift to monitor round the clock and take necessary action in connection with train operations,” it added.
War room set up to monitor all locations continuously
At the board level, a war room has been activated to monitor all locations continuously. Safety counselors have been designated for each shift to support the emergency control efforts. The ministry has further directed field officers and supervisors to be readily available to assist in ensuring smooth train operations and to closely monitor the cyclone’s movement and forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
The Health unit in the Chennai division has also formulated a disaster management action plan, creating two teams. “Health unit, Chennai division has also geared up its disaster management action plan and formed two teams. Team A including doctors and other on-duty staff to board the SPART (Self Propelled Accident Relief Trains) at platform no. 11 as soon as the message arrives and will report to the officer in-charge at the disaster/accident spot and start the relief work,” the ministry said.
“Team B will report casualty and a part of Team B will proceed by road. Remaining will stay back to inform all concerned, maintain communication with medical team A, CMS office, to inform local railway hospitals, Railway Hospital, Perambur and local private hospitals for emergency preparedness,” it added.
Southern Railways issues emergency contact numbers
The Southern Railways and other concerned zones have issued a set of general instructions and emergency contact numbers for the public. These include phone numbers for railway officials, medical teams, emergency vehicles, commercial control for public inquiries, tower wagon drivers, as well as a list of available equipment such as DG sets, pumps, and submersible sewage pumps at various stations.
The primary focus outlined in the instructions is on preventing loss of life and minimising damage to railway assets. If necessary, all train operations, both passenger and freight, on the target section may be temporarily suspended in consultation with headquarters. Recognizing the likelihood of incessant rains accompanying the cyclone, the instructions highlight the importance of monsoon patrolling in sections where train operations persist.
The Southern Railways, having learned from previous cyclones, is closely monitoring locations that experienced maximum damage. Instructions have been issued to keep an ample supply of fully fueled diesel locomotives ready to facilitate train movement during emergencies. The overarching goal remains the safeguarding of lives and railway assets in the face of Cyclone ‘Michaung.’