Cyclone Dana Disrupts Travel: Over 178 Trains Canceled Across Eastern India

In anticipation of Cyclone Dana, the Eastern Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced the cancellation of more than 178 trains scheduled to run between October 22 and October 29, 2024. This precautionary measure was communicated through an official bulletin issued by the Chief Passenger Transportation Manager of ECoR on Tuesday afternoon, as reported by Kalinga TV.

The cancellations impact major routes linking key cities such as Howrah, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, New Delhi, and Vishakhapatnam. A total of 85 trains heading upwards and 93 trains heading downwards have been cancelled to ensure passenger safety.

Key Routes Affected:

• Howrah-Puri Corridor
• New Delhi-Puri Services
• Chennai-Howrah Routes
• Various connections from Bhubaneswar to multiple destinations

Several important routes along the eastern coast

Railway authorities have urged station officials to disseminate information about the cancellations widely through various channels, including:

Notice boards at stations

• Enquiry offices
• Electronic and print media
• Public announcement systems
• Bulk SMS services via ICMS

The majority of cancellations are set for October 24, 2024, which is when Cyclone Dana is predicted to exert its greatest impact on the region. Some train cancellations extend up to October 29, indicating the potential for ongoing weather disruptions.

Passengers intending to travel through Eastern India over the coming week are strongly advised to check their train status and consider alternative travel arrangements if necessary. Regular updates are being provided at railway stations across the affected areas to assist travellers.

Cyclone Dana Set to Strike Odisha and West Bengal

Cyclone Dana, which is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, is poised to make landfall in Odisha's Puri and West Bengal's Sagar Island between October 24 and 25, as reported by India Today. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of extremely heavy rainfall in both states, with wind speeds potentially reaching 100 to 110 km/h from Thursday.

Key Developments:

• Evacuations Underway: State governments are evacuating coastal populations and have set up relief centres in schools and community buildings.
• School Closures: Schools in 14 districts of Odisha, including Ganjam and Puri, will be closed from October 23 to 25 as a precaution.
• NDRF Deployment: A total of 11 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are positioned in Odisha and nine in West Bengal to aid in rescue efforts.
• Fishermen Advised Against Sea Ventures: Fishermen have been warned to stay ashore from Wednesday to Friday.
• Infrastructure Preparedness: The cyclone is likely to disrupt road and railway services along the coast. Both states are prepared with essential supplies in cyclone shelters.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has emphasised the importance of evacuating affected populations and ensuring readiness in cyclone shelters, aiming for "zero casualties.," as per media reports. In light of the storm, the planned visit of President Draupadi Murmu to Odisha has been postponed, as well as Home Minister Amit Shah's inauguration in West Bengal. The public is advised to stay updated and prepare for potential impacts from Cyclone Dana.