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The Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway (SCR) ensured passenger safety, sanitation and community readiness during Cyclone Montha by operating in full alert mode. Officials mobilised men and machinery to meet any emergency arising out of the cyclone on train operations,an SCR release said. Trains were terminated wherever the situation warranted and passengers were accommodated in other trains. Monsoon reserves on wheels have been strategically positioned to respond quickly to any obstruction. Anemometers were installed to record real-time wind speeds, while water-level monitoring systems actively tracked the conditions at bridges and vulnerable points. Vijayawada Division mobilized 25 excavators, 24 wagons loaded with machine-stitched sandbags and 24 wagons of boulders, which were positioned at four strategic locations for immediate deployment. Additionally, 650 steel cribs were loaded on BRN wagons, 450 contractual labourers were kept ready for emergency restoration, and 475 trackmen deployed for monsoon patrolling and observation of vulnerable track locations. Various emergency materials were kept ready at key points and the Railway Protection Force played a key role in ensuring safety and order at all stations by maintaining 24×7 CCTV surveillance across the railway amenities. The Medical and Environment and Housekeeping Management Departments undertook extensive sanitation and public health measures. Divisional Railway Manager Mohit Sonakiya stated that teams of officials and workers showed remarkable commitment during the cyclone Montha by working round-the-clock. Every department from Commercial, Operating, Engineering to Medical and Security contributed to protection of both passengers and railway assets. The timely dissemination of information by the Public Relations Officer ensured that there was no confusion among the public and stakeholders, the release said.
