Cyclone Arnab has placed train services across parts of Telangana on alert, with the South Central Railway warning passengers that trains may be cancelled, diverted or rescheduled as heavy rain and dangerous weather approach the state on October 28 and 29.
The cyclone is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, on the forenoon of October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm, according to the weather forecast cited in the advisory. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mulugu and Mahabubabad districts.
Heavy rainfall has also been forecast for Warangal, Hanumakonda, Suryapet and Nalgonda on October 28 and 29. These districts contain railway sections and connections that could be affected by water accumulation, weakened ground conditions, rising water levels near bridges and other weather-related safety risks.
The South Central Railway said train operations in affected sections would depend on local weather and infrastructure conditions. Services could be cancelled, diverted or rescheduled if conditions create risks to passengers, trains or railway assets. The railway has advised passengers to check the status of their trains before beginning their journeys rather than relying only on previously issued schedules.
SCR General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava reviewed preparedness measures in response to the approaching cyclone. The review covered safety arrangements at vulnerable railway bridges and sections, track patrolling, monitoring of water levels and the deployment of emergency equipment.
Accident relief trains and medical equipment have been kept ready at Kazipet and Dornakal. Their placement is intended to support emergency response if an incident or operational disruption occurs in the affected railway network, although the advisory did not announce any specific cancellation or diversion at the time of publication.
For passengers with reserved tickets, the railway said updates on cancellations, diversions and rescheduling would be communicated through SMS. Information would also be shared through railway social media channels and the official South Central Railway website.
Passengers can check train movements and service changes through the IRCTC, RailOne and National Train Enquiry System platforms. They can also call the railway helpline at 139. The advisory asks travellers to verify the latest operating position before leaving for stations, particularly on routes passing through districts under a red or heavy-rain alert.
The immediate operational decision for each train will depend on weather conditions and the status of the relevant railway section as the cyclone approaches the coast and moves through the region.
