Southern Railway in full preparedness to tackle Cyclone NIVAR and puts in place a tight vigil

In the light of the impending threat of cyclone NIVAR, John Thomas, General Manger, Southern Railway has conducted several rounds of meetings, through video conferencing, with the concerned Principal Head of the departments (PHODs) and Divisional Railway Managers of six divisions on 23rd and 24th November, 2020. B.G. Mallya , Additional General Manager also attended the review meeting. General Manager reviewed the preparedness of the Railway in tackling the consequences that are likely to follow as a result of cyclone NIVAR and issued various instructions.

Emergency Control cell has been set up in the control offices of both Headquarters and Divisions starting from 23rd Nov, 2020. This is being manned round the clock by senior officials to monitor the situation and they shall co-ordinate with the state government officials wherever required.

Instructions have been issued to all the field units, especially those at the districts which are on high alert, to be in readiness with full complements of tools, spares, accessories that are required for restoration of traffic. Monsoon reserve trains loaded with rail, sleepers and other tools and also tower wagons loaded with all material required for restoring train operations are kept fully prepared. It has also been communicated to the field units that, as soon as the threat of cyclone is apparent, all the boom barriers at the level crossing gates are to be kept in closed condition to prevent damage to the booms, duly informing the District Collectors concerned.

Roof shelters in the platforms at the stations have been checked and fastened with due care. Hoardings at the stations and mid sections in the area which are on high alert have been removed, wherever feasible, to reduce any damage.

Already, Southern Railway has fully cancelled one pair of train commencing journey on 24th Nov and two pairs of trains commencing journey on 24th and 25th Nov and 12 pairs of trains commencing journey on 25th Nov, 2020. Railway has also partially cancelled eleven (11) mail/express trains. In Chennai Suburban sector, EMU train service from 10:00 hours of 25-11-2020 will remain suspended until further notice. The cyclone situation is being closely monitored by the officials of Southern Railway and decision pertaining to cancellation, regulation and diversion of trains will be taken on a timely manner, wherever required, so as to avoid any inconvenience to traveling passengers. Southern Railway also requests passengers to be full in preparedness in the light of the prevailing weather situation and the possibility of train diversion.

Southern Railway is closely monitoring the developments in this regard and prepared to take necessary action in a timely manner. Also officials of the Railway are in close liaison with the meteorological department and concerned officials of State government