India: The Western Railway on Monday short-terminated more than 50 trains heading to coastal areas of Gujarat in view of powerful cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ and is considering cancellation of several trains over the next three days, a release said.
The Western Railway is taking various measures including setting up disaster management rooms, help desks, and keeping relief trains ready.
The wind speed is being monitored at five locations in Bhavnagar division, at eight sites in Rajkot and at three spots in Ahmedabad division on an hourly basis and station masters have been instructed to regulate or stop trains when the wind velocity exceeds 50 kmph, as per the release.
According to IMD, ‘Biparjoy’ is likely to make landfall near the Jakhau port in Kutch district on Thursday afternoon as a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’ with maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour.
“As many as 56 trains heading to Gandhidham, Veraval, Okha, Porbandar in coastal Gujarat have been short-terminated at Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Surendranagar. Around 95 trains are being proposed for cancellation between June 13 to June 15,” the release said.
Sumit Thakur, chief public relations officer (CPRO), Western Railways, said passenger trains scheduled from June 12 onwards in the vulnerable sections are being reviewed and necessary decisions will be taken.
“Several trains have been cancelled and short-terminated as a precautionary measure in view of the safety of passengers and train operations,” Mr Thakur said.
Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to hit the Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat, covering Bhavnagar, Rajkot and Ahmedabad divisions of the Western Railway.
As Veraval-Junagad, Porbandar-Kanalus, Rajkot-Okha and Viramgam- Gandhidham- Bhuj sections are most vulnerable to this cyclone, the Western Railways has taken various safety and security precautions, the release said.
