As Cyclone Dana barrels toward the eastern coast of India, particularly Odisha, several precautionary measures have been implemented across affected regions to ensure public safety. One of the key sectors bracing for disruption is the Indian Railways, specifically the East Coast Railway (ECR), which has announced the cancellation of 18 trains in anticipation of the cyclone’s landfall on Thursday night. Among these cancellations, six trains scheduled to pass through Hyderabad and Secunderabad have been axed. This move, while essential for safety, has impacted thousands of passengers.
Trains Cancelled
The following are the six trains that were cancelled, affecting passengers to and from Hyderabad and Secunderabad:
12703 Howrah-Secunderabad Express:
This popular long-distance train departs from Howrah at 8:35 AM and was scheduled to reach Secunderabad the following day at 10:35 AM. However, due to the cyclone warning, the train, which is crucial for connectivity between eastern India and the south-central zone, has been cancelled for October 24.18045 Shalimar-Hyderabad Express:
Departing from Shalimar, Kolkata, at 11:25 AM on October 24, this train was scheduled to arrive in Hyderabad at 05:15 PM the next day. The cancellation has led to significant disruption for travelers commuting between West Bengal and Telangana.18046 Hyderabad-Shalimar Express:
The return service of the above route, 18046, departing from Hyderabad on October 24 at 9:50 AM, was due to arrive in Shalimar at 04:05 PM the following day. This cancellation affects not only intercity travelers but also freight services scheduled along the route.17015 Bhubaneswar-Secunderabad Express:
Scheduled to depart from Bhubaneswar on October 25 at 07:10 AM, this train was to arrive in Secunderabad at 9:00 AM the next day. As Bhubaneswar is directly in the cyclone’s projected path, the cancellation was inevitable.12513 Secunderabad-Silchar Express:
Scheduled to leave Secunderabad on October 26 at 04:35 PM, this long-distance train was to reach Silchar in Assam on the third day. The railway department mentioned that the train was cancelled due to a lack of rakes, exacerbated by weather-related disruptions.03430 Malda Town-Secunderabad Special:
This train, departing from Malda Town on October 29 at 06:10 PM, was due to arrive in Secunderabad at 4:00 AM on the third day. The long-distance service caters to passengers from eastern India traveling to Telangana, and its cancellation will create significant logistical challenges.
In addition to these cancellations, the railway department has also informed that slip coaches between Kacheguda and Yelahanka for train no. 17603 (Kacheguda to Vasco de Gama) will not run on October 25. Similarly, the returning service, 17604 (Yelahanka to Kacheguda), has been cancelled for October 27.
Impact on Passengers
The cancellation of these trains has inconvenienced thousands of passengers who had pre-booked their tickets and made travel plans, particularly for the festive season. Diwali, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, is approaching, and many families were planning to travel between cities during this period. The railway stations in Hyderabad and Secunderabad witnessed long queues at the enquiry counters, as passengers sought clarifications regarding their bookings, refunds, and alternative travel arrangements.
Several passengers expressed their frustration, particularly those with urgent travel needs. “I had booked my tickets two months in advance for a family function in Kolkata,” said Ravi Kumar, a passenger whose train from Secunderabad to Howrah was cancelled. “Now, I don’t know how I’ll get there on time. I tried booking flights, but they’re either fully booked or too expensive.” Similar sentiments were echoed by other passengers, especially those who had booked tickets on trains like the Hyderabad-Shalimar Express, a crucial link between Telangana and West Bengal.
However, while the cancellations are causing inconvenience, the broader public sentiment remains understanding. Many passengers acknowledged the importance of safety measures in the face of an impending natural disaster. “Safety should always come first,” said Priya Rao, another passenger affected by the cancellations. “It’s disappointing, but we can’t blame the railways. They are doing their job to protect us.”
Cyclone Dana and Its Projected Path
Cyclone Dana, classified as a severe cyclonic storm by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), is expected to make landfall near the Odisha coast late on Thursday night. The storm has been gathering strength over the Bay of Bengal and is likely to bring with it heavy rainfall, gale-force winds, and potential flooding in coastal areas. The IMD has issued red alerts for parts of Odisha, West Bengal, and northern Andhra Pradesh, warning residents to take necessary precautions.
The Odisha government, in particular, has been on high alert, with disaster management teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), deployed in vulnerable regions. The state has a history of being hit by cyclones, including the infamous Cyclone Fani in 2019, which caused widespread devastation. Learning from past experiences, both state and central governments have been proactive in their disaster preparedness efforts.
Evacuation Plans:
Authorities in Odisha have already begun evacuating people from low-lying areas and coastal villages, where the cyclone’s impact is expected to be the most severe. Temporary shelters have been set up, and essential supplies, such as food, water, and medical aid, have been stockpiled. Fishermen have been advised to stay off the coast, and several ports have suspended operations until the cyclone passes.
Air Travel Disruptions:
Alongside the disruption in train services, air travel has also been affected. Several flights to and from Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam have been delayed or cancelled. Airline operators have issued advisories urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Railway Helplines
In light of the train cancellations and disruptions, the South Central Railway (SCR) has set up additional helpline numbers at major railway stations to assist passengers with information regarding cancellations, refunds, and alternative arrangements. These helpline numbers are available for passengers at key stations like:
- Hyderabad: 9063330400
- Secunderabad: 040-27786140, 27786170
- Kazipet: 070-27782660, 0870-2576430
- Khammam: 7815955306
- Warangal: 9063324898
These numbers are proving to be critical as passengers scramble to find out the status of their trains and seek guidance on how to proceed with their travel plans. Additionally, railway officials have been manning help desks at the affected stations to address passenger concerns.
Safety Measures by Indian Railways
The cancellation of these trains is part of a broader precautionary strategy implemented by Indian Railways, which regularly revises its operating plans during severe weather events. Cyclones, in particular, pose a significant risk to rail infrastructure, including tracks, overhead electrical equipment, and signal systems. Strong winds and heavy rainfall can lead to waterlogging on tracks, landslides, and even derailments in extreme cases.
To mitigate such risks, railway authorities in the ECR and SCR zones have been monitoring weather updates in real-time. Train movements are being controlled from centralized operations centers, where officials are coordinating with the meteorological department to track the cyclone’s progress. “We are taking no chances,” said a senior railway official. “Passenger safety is our top priority. We understand the inconvenience these cancellations cause, but it’s a necessary step given the circumstances.”
Additionally, as part of the contingency measures, Indian Railways has positioned rescue teams and equipment in strategic locations along the cyclone-affected routes. These teams are equipped to respond to emergencies such as fallen trees on tracks, damage to overhead power lines, or waterlogging.
Broader Implications for Freight and Economic Activities
The cancellation of passenger trains is not the only challenge posed by Cyclone Dana. The disruption is also expected to impact freight operations, which are a lifeline for transporting essential goods across states. Freight trains carrying food supplies, fuel, and industrial materials from the eastern regions to central and southern India are likely to face delays.
This disruption can have ripple effects on supply chains, especially in regions heavily dependent on freight services. Industrial sectors that rely on timely deliveries, such as manufacturing units and power plants, could experience temporary slowdowns due to the cyclone-related delays in shipments. However, Indian Railways has assured businesses that it will resume freight operations as soon as the weather stabilizes and tracks are cleared.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Worst, Hoping for the Best
As Cyclone Dana approaches landfall, authorities across multiple sectors—railways, air travel, road transport, and disaster management—are working tirelessly to minimize its impact on human life and infrastructure. While train cancellations and travel disruptions are unfortunate, they are necessary precautions in the face of a natural disaster of this magnitude.
For passengers affected by the cancellations, the immediate challenge is finding alternative modes of transport. However, with airlines and bus services also facing disruptions, the options are limited. The best course of action for passengers
