Cyclone Montha: ECoR Cancels 32 Trains, Issues Safety Measures Across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct 27 : As the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic Storm Montha, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Sunday announced the cancellation of 32 passenger trains and the diversion or short termination of several others passing through Odisha as a precautionary measure.

ECoR officials said the steps were taken based on alerts and forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which warned of possible heavy rainfall and strong winds in coastal and southern Odisha districts over the next 48 hours.

“These measures are purely precautionary, aimed at ensuring passenger safety and protecting railway infrastructure,” an ECoR spokesperson said.

Among the cancelled trains are several key passenger and express services, including:

• 18515/18516 Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Night Express
• 58501/58502 Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Passenger
• 58538/58537 Visakhapatnam–Koraput Passenger
• 18512/18511 Visakhapatnam–Koraput Express
• 17268/17267 Visakhapatnam–Kakinada Express
• 22875/22876 Visakhapatnam–Guntur Double Decker Uday Express
• 18526/18525 Visakhapatnam–Brahmapur Express
• 18463 Bhubaneswar–Bengaluru Express
• 17015 Bhubaneswar–Secunderabad Express
• 20851 Bhubaneswar–Puducherry Weekly Express (Oct 28)

Additionally, Train No. 18189 Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express (Oct 28) will be diverted via Titlagarh–Lakholi–Raipur–Nagpur–Balharshah, while Train No. 18447 Bhubaneswar–Jagdalpur Hirakhand Express and Train No. 18107 Rourkela–Jagdalpur Intercity Express will be short-terminated at Rayagada.

ECoR said it has activated round-the-clock emergency control rooms at all divisional headquarters and is in continuous coordination with IMD for real-time weather updates.

“Restoration teams are positioned at key stations for immediate response, and relief materials have been stocked at vulnerable points,” officials added. Additional staff have been deployed for operational and passenger support, while food, water, and shelter facilities are being arranged for stranded passengers.

Help desks and refund counters have also been set up at major railway stations.

Passengers have been advised to check the latest train running status via the National Train Enquiry System (NTES), IRCTC app/website, or through Railway Helpline numbers before commencing their journey.

The ECoR has urged passengers to stay alert and cooperate with railway authorities as the region braces for the impact of Cyclone Montha.