South Coast Railway has cancelled nine train services in Andhra Pradesh as a precaution against heavy rain linked to cyclone Murasu, while placing railway bridges, tracks, yards and signalling systems under round-the-clock surveillance across the zone.
The cancellations affect services operating through the Vijayawada, Gudur, Guntur, Tenali, Repalle and Markapur sections on November 2 and 3. The decision was taken after railway officials reviewed preparedness for possible weather-related disruption and passenger safety concerns.
A review meeting involving divisional railway managers and heads of departments was held in Visakhapatnam on Monday. The South Coast Railway general manager directed officials to maintain close coordination with state government authorities and continuously monitor weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department.
Railway teams have been instructed to monitor vulnerable bridges, railway lines, yards and signalling installations. Patrolmen and watchmen have been deployed at locations considered vulnerable to heavy rain and flooding. Officials are also clearing debris from catch-water drains to reduce the risk of waterlogging along railway infrastructure.
The railway zone said emergency track maintenance materials had been stocked at key locations so that staff could respond promptly if rain damages tracks or disrupts operations. A 24-hour war room has been established at the South Coast Railway zonal headquarters and at divisional headquarters to coordinate responses during emergencies.
The cancelled services include train 67225, the Vijayawada-Gudur passenger service scheduled to leave Vijayawada on November 2, and train 67226, the Gudur-Vijayawada passenger service scheduled to leave Gudur on November 3. The Vijayawada-Gudur express services in both directions scheduled for November 2 and 3 have also been cancelled.
Other affected services are the Guntur-Tenali passenger trains in both directions, the Tenali-Repalle passenger service departing Tenali on November 2, the Repalle-Markapur passenger service departing Repalle on November 3, and the Markapur-Tenali passenger service departing Markapur on November 3.
The cancellations are intended to avoid exposing passengers and railway assets to unsafe operating conditions during the period of heavy rain. Railway authorities have advised passengers to take note of the affected services and follow further operational updates issued by South Coast Railway.
Officials will continue monitoring weather advisories, railway infrastructure and field conditions through the zonal and divisional control rooms as the weather system affects the region.
