New Delhi, 27 October (H.S.): Indian Railways has intensified its safety measures and emergency preparedness ahead of the expected landfall of Cyclone Arnab near Yanam on the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday that safety protocols had been activated across the Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam divisions, with passenger safety remaining the top priority.

In a post on the social media platform X, Vaishnaw said control rooms had been activated at the zonal, divisional and Railway Board levels to coordinate the response to the approaching cyclone. Around 600 km of railway track in potentially affected areas is being monitored round the clock.

He said special relief trains carrying materials required for emergency repairs and restoration had been stationed at Krishna Canal, Bitragunta, Mamidipudi, Visakhapatnam, Palasa and Ponduru. Diesel locomotives, power supply units and ambulances have also been kept on standby at major junctions.

According to the Railway Minister, earthmovers, tree-cutting machines and other essential equipment have been positioned at appropriate intervals to address potential damage and facilitate the swift restoration of train services.

Wind speeds and water levels are being monitored every hour, while senior railway officials are stationed on the ground to oversee preparedness and coordinate emergency measures.

Vaishnaw said Indian Railways was coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state disaster management authorities. The arrangements are intended to ensure passenger safety during the cyclone and enable a prompt response wherever necessary.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar