ECoR opens three disaster management cells in Odisha ahead of impending Cyclone Amphan

Bhubaneswar: Keeping in view the impending cyclonic storm ‘Amphan’, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) opened round the clock disaster management cells at three places in Odisha.

Official sources said the disaster management cells have been set up at ECoR HQs at Rail Sadan, Khordha Road and Sambalpur.

ECoR has taken steps to ensure no risk to train traffic, positioning of special teams for early restoration of tracks, signaling system and electrification etc, Safety of Train Operations, to run train, if there will be no electric supply. Diesel locomotives have been kept in position for utilization during failure of electricity.

The sources added as Red Alert has been given in coastal areas, ECoR is keeping watchful eye at all the stations between Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak in Bhubaneswar-Kharagpur Railway Section.

General Manager, East Coast Railway has already directed the concerned officials to be on full alert towards any incident like flood situation near railway track and ensure safety of trains and smooth train operations.

Close coordination is being maintained with State government officials at different levels. Full Supply Level (FSL) in case of canals & Danger Level (DL) in case of bridges have been painted with bright red band across each pier adjacent to the abutment so as to be clearly visible to the Patrolman, Stationary Watchman and Drivers.

Arrangements have been made not to allow water to stagnate on the track. In station yards, the cross drains and longitudinal drains have been cleared/provided proper grades.

Patrolling of Railway tracks by Patrolmen has also been planned. They observe danger or interruption if any and protect the trains from any unusual occurrence. Stationary Patrolmen and Watchmen along with mobile Patrolmen have been deployed in vulnerable sections.

Instructions have been issued that whenever there is heavy rain, the sectional Gangmen will organize patrolling of track on their own in their beat to make sure that the track is safe for passage of trains and ensure protection at all locations where washouts/slips are likely to occur.

ECoR is in constant touch with India Meteorological Department and getting weather alerts.

Official sources added in view of the Cyclone forecast, ECoR has diverted Bhubaneswar-New Delhi-Bhubaneswar AC Special Train via Angul-Jharsuguda-Rourkela-Tata route bypassing Bhubaneswar-Hijli (Kharagpur) route for four days.

Shramik Special Trains has been suspended and will not be allowed to run in Bhadrak-Kharagpur route. Parcel and freight trains will be diverted via Sambalpur-Jharsuguda route.