SCR On High Alert As Cyclone Montha Nears Andhra Coast
General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava conducted an on-site review of cyclone readiness at the Vijayawada Divisional Railway Manager’s office, where senior officials discussed strategies to safeguard passengers, railway staff, and critical infrastructure. “We must remain agile and prepared for any contingency
Vijayawada: The Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway (SCR) has intensified emergency preparedness measures as Cyclone Montha approaches the Andhra Pradesh coastline, expected to make landfall on the evening of October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm.
General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava conducted an on-site review of cyclone readiness at the Vijayawada Divisional Railway Manager’s office, where senior officials discussed strategies to safeguard passengers, railway staff, and critical infrastructure. “We must remain agile and prepared for any contingency. The safety of passengers, employees, and their families is our top priority,” Srivastava said, expressing confidence in the railway’s ability to handle the crisis through its robust systems and experienced personnel.
All departments – including Operations, Engineering, Electrical, Mechanical, Commercial, and Medical – have been placed on high alert. Control rooms are functioning round-the-clock, monitoring train operations, bridge stability, and water levels at vulnerable locations along the projected cyclone path.
Patrolling teams have been deployed across the network to inspect tracks, bridges, and signalling systems. Emergency reserves of personnel, materials, and heavy machinery are on standby for rapid deployment.
Diesel locomotives and mobile rescue teams (MRTs) have been strategically stationed to ensure continuity of operations in case of electrical failures.
The division has also strengthened coordination with the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) and local administrations for real-time communication and prompt emergency response.
