Bhubaneswar, Sept. 23 (UDN): With a Deep Depression over the Bay of Bengal moving towards the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has intensified its preparedness to deal with possible disruptions caused by heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Railway authorities have placed key operational and safety mechanisms on heightened alert across Odisha, with special attention being given to vulnerable sections of the railway network.

24-Hour Control Rooms Activated

A 24-hour Disaster Management Cell has been activated at Rail Sadan in Bhubaneswar to monitor the weather situation and coordinate emergency responses.

Round-the-clock control rooms are also functioning at the divisional headquarters in Khurda Road, Sambalpur and Rayagada.

Officials at these centres are maintaining continuous communication with field teams and monitoring any impact of heavy rainfall on railway operations and infrastructure.

Vulnerable Railway Sections Under Watch

Railway officials have intensified inspections of tracks, bridges, yards, signalling installations and overhead equipment (OHE) in areas likely to be affected by the adverse weather.

Additional patrolmen and watchmen have been deployed at vulnerable stretches to detect problems such as waterlogging, track damage, fallen trees or other obstructions at the earliest.

Field teams have also been instructed to maintain increased vigilance during periods of intense rainfall and strong winds.

Emergency Equipment Kept on Standby

The railway has positioned essential manpower and emergency equipment at strategic locations so that any weather-related disruption can be addressed promptly.

Diesel locomotives, tower wagons, engineering equipment and heavy machinery have been kept ready for use in case tracks are blocked, infrastructure is damaged or urgent restoration work becomes necessary.

The arrangements are intended to reduce response time and facilitate the early restoration of train services if operations are affected.

Passenger Safety a Priority

East Coast Railway CPRO Deepak Raut said the preparedness measures have been taken with a focus on passenger safety and minimising disruption to train services during the adverse weather.

As the Deep Depression approaches the coast, railway officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to take operational measures depending on ground conditions and weather developments.

Passengers have been advised to keep track of official railway updates and allow for possible changes to train operations if weather conditions deteriorate.