Cyclone Montha Impact in Karnataka: 65 Trains Cancelled, Flights Hit in Andhra and Bengaluru

Cyclone Montha continues to batter southern India, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread travel disruption across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that Montha remains a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall near Kakinada on the Andhra coast by tonight, packing winds up to 100 kmph.

The cyclone's outer bands have already triggered rains in several parts of coastal and south interior Karnataka. Bengaluru woke up to overcast skies and intermittent showers, while districts such as Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, and Uttara Kannada reported rainfall through the day. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for these districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rain over the next 24 hours.

Transportation across the region has been severely hit. More than 65 train services have been cancelled and several others delayed as a safety precaution. The South Central Railway has suspended operations on key routes, including the Visakhapatnam region.

Long-Distance Trains from Bengaluru Hit by Delays

Long-distance trains from Bengaluru, such as the SMVT Bengaluru-New Tinsukia Junction Superfast Express and the Howrah Duronto Express, are running over 10 hours late due to adverse weather conditions.

1. Train No. 22501 SMVT Bangalore - New Tinsukia Junction Superfast Express.

2. Train No. 12836 SMVT Bangalore - Hatia Superfast Express.

3. Train No. 12503 SMVT Bangalore - Agartala Hum Safar Express.

4. Train No. 12246 SMVT Bangalore - Howrah Junction Duronto Express.

5. Train No. 12864 SMVT Bangalore - Howrah Junction Superfast Express.

6. Train No. 13433 SMVT Bangalore - Malda Town Amrit Bharat Express.

7. Train No. 18048 Vasco da Gama - Shalimar Amaravati Express.

Air traffic has also taken a hit. Flight operations were disrupted at airports in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Bengaluru. Air India cancelled several flights from Vijayawada, while IndiGo reported delays and partial cancellations depending on weather clearance. In Bengaluru, several domestic flights were delayed due to low visibility and wind conditions.

Meanwhile, a separate weather system has developed over the east-central Arabian Sea, compounding the impact of Montha. The IMD said the depression is moving northeastwards and may cause additional rainfall along the west coast in the coming days. As of early morning, it was centered around 580 km west-southwest of Mumbai and 890 km from Mangalore.

Authorities have urged fishermen to stay away from the sea and advised residents in low-lying coastal areas to remain alert. Heavy rain is expected to persist in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh until Tuesday morning, after which the system is likely to weaken gradually as it moves inland.

With the twin weather systems active over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, southern states are set for two more days of turbulent weather. The IMD continues to monitor Cyclone Montha closely as it approaches landfall near Kakinada tonight.