Indian Railways Cancels Nine Trains Ahead of Cyclone Murasu Landfall

Indian Railways Cancels Nine Trains Ahead of Cyclone Murasu Landfall

Indian Railways has cancelled nine trains as a precautionary measure ahead of Cyclone Murasu. The severe cyclonic storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur during the night of November 2 and the early hours of November 3. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.

Current Position of the Storm

According to the IMD’s latest bulletin issued on Monday, Cyclone Murasu was centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal at 2:30 pm. It was located near latitude 14.3°N and longitude 80.9°E, approximately 100 km east of Nellore and 120 km southeast of Kavali. The storm moved nearly northwestwards at around 10 kmph during the preceding six hours. The IMD said it is very likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast as a severe cyclonic storm between 11:30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3.

Train Cancellations by South Coast Railway

South Coast Railway (SCoR) has cancelled nine passenger and express services operating across Andhra Pradesh. The step aims to minimise risks and avoid inconvenience to passengers during the cyclone. Passengers travelling on these routes have been advised to check the latest train status and cancellation updates before starting their journeys.

Emergency Preparedness Measures

South Coast Railway has strengthened its emergency preparedness. It has established 24×7 war rooms at its zonal and divisional headquarters to coordinate response and monitor the situation. General Manager Sandeep Mathur reviewed precautionary measures, disaster management plans, and passenger assistance arrangements during a meeting with divisional officials.

The zone has intensified round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable bridges, tracks, yards, and signalling systems. Special attention is being given to clearing debris from catch-water drains to prevent waterlogging. Patrolmen and watchmen have been deployed at vulnerable locations, while emergency track maintenance materials have been kept ready. Officials have also been directed to maintain close coordination with state government authorities and regularly monitor IMD weather bulletins.

Passenger Assistance Arrangements

South Coast Railway has strengthened passenger assistance at major stations. Help desks have been set up to provide information on train cancellations and travel updates. Additional counters will operate to facilitate refunds for cancelled tickets if required. Catering units have been instructed to maintain adequate food stocks, and alternative power supply arrangements are in place at key locations. Medical teams, first-aid facilities, and ambulances are ready to provide round-the-clock emergency assistance.

Civil Defence personnel and Scouts & Guides volunteers have been alerted. Railway crews have been placed on standby to operate special trains if needed. Emergency response teams are also prepared to assist areas affected by the cyclone.

Continuous Monitoring

The IMD is tracking Cyclone Murasu through Doppler Weather Radars at Chennai, Machilipatnam, and Visakhapatnam. The weather department expects the storm to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole, with sustained winds of 100-110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph. Therefore, authorities continue to urge caution as the system approaches landfall.