Cyclone Michaung: Indian Railways also opens war room for effective disaster management
ECoR activates crisis management cell; 60 express trains cancelled for passenger safety
By Sukanta Kumar Mohanty
BHUBANESWAR, DEC. 4: The Indian Railways has geared up its entire machinery in a big way to ensure and manage smooth and safe railway operations in the areas likely to be affected by the cyclonic storm.
The Indian Railways, as parts of preparedness for cyclone related disaster management, has set up an emergency control cell at the divisional headquarters level with officers from operating, commercial, engineering, electrical, signal/telecommunications and security branches in each shift, to monitor round the clock and take necessary action in connection with train operations.
According to an Indian Railways communiqué, the war room at board level has also been activated and monitoring of all locations is being done round the clock.
Safety counsellors in each shift are also nominated to assist with the emergency control. Additionally, all field officers are available as directed by officials.
The officers manning the Emergency Control (EC) have been directed to liaison with the field officers and supervisors for smooth train operations and to keep a close watch on the movement of the cyclone and forecast issued by IMD and plan for train operations accordingly.
Southern Railways and other concerned zones have also issued a list of general instructions and emergency contact numbers for the masses in case of any exigency, including phone numbers of railway officials, medical teams, emergency vehicles, commercial control for public enquiry, tower wagon drivers along with list of DG sets, pumps and submersible sewage pumps available at various stations. Water logging prone locations have also been identified and various corrective actions have been taken at all such locations.
The East Coast Railways (ECoR) on Monday opened a crisis management cell in view of the cyclone Michaung that lashed many southern parts of the state.
As per available information, the senior officials of ECoR conducted a high-level meeting and all staff members were directed to remain ready for any adverse situation.
All resources were mobilised and necessary measures were put in place to restore train services after the cyclone.
Chief public relations officer (PRO) ECoR, A K Mishra informed that as per the instructions of South Central Railway and Southern Railway steps are being taken to regulate movement of trains.
Till So far, 60 express trains originating, terminating and passing through ECoR’s jurisdiction have been cancelled to ensure safety of passengers.
Helpline numbers have also been issued for the passengers to get information. The Helpline numbers are: 0674-2301525, 23016,2303060.
