Fishermen are scrambling to get their boats to a safe area in the wake of Cyclone Montha at Kothapatnam beach in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh on Monday evening. | Photo credit: KOMMURI SRINIVAS
The South Central Railway (SCR) has advised passengers to travel only on an essential basis between October 27 and 28 in view of the forecast of heavy rains and strong winds along the coastal areas due to Cyclone Montha.
General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava during his visit to Vijayawada reviewed the situation with officials and urged passengers to check the real-time status of trains through platforms like IRCTC, RailOne, NTES or by dialing railway inquiry number 139 before starting their journey.
Passengers will be informed of any changes in train services – such as cancellations, diversions or changes to the timetable – via SMS to the mobile numbers provided at the time of booking the reserved tickets. Information regarding cancellations, partial cancellations, diversions and rescheduling of trains will also be available on SCR official social media platforms: X (formerly Twitter): @SCRailwayIndia Facebook: South Central Railway – SCR Instagram: @scrailwayindia, Web: https://scr.indianrailways.gov.in.
All departments are on high alert to ensure the safety of passengers, staff and railway property. Dispatch stations have been established at both divisional and headquarters levels, which operate around the clock and monitor train operations, bridge conditions and water levels at vulnerable locations.
Patrol teams were deployed to monitor tracks, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Monsoon reserves including personnel, material and machinery are ready for immediate deployment in case of emergencies. Diesel locomotives and Mobile Rescue Teams (MRTs) were strategically placed to ensure continuity of essential operations in the event of traction failures.
Help desks and 24×7 PRS refund counters have been set up at key stations including Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kakinada Town, Bhimavaram and Tenali. DRM Mohit Sonakiya, Chief Operating Manager K. Padmaja and other officials were present during the inspection.
Helplines: Gudur 08624-250795; Nellore 9063347961; Ongole 7815909489; Bapatla 7815909329; Tenali 7815909463; Vijayawada 0866-2575167; Eluru 7569305268; Rajahmundry 8331987657; Samarlakota 7382383188; Tuna 7815909479; Anakapalli 7569305669; Bhimavaram 7815909402 and Gudivada 7815909462, the press release said.
Published – 27 Oct 2025 20:44 IST
