Indian Railways Initiates Proactive Measures for Cyclone 'Michaung': Emergency Control Cell and War Room Activated

The Railway Ministry has proactively responded to the imminent threat posed by the severe cyclonic storm 'Michaung.' To address the challenges arising from the powerful storm, the ministry has established an emergency control cell in Chennai and a dedicated war room at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi.

In a statement released on Monday (December 4), the Railway Ministry emphasized the comprehensive readiness of the Indian Railways to ensure the smooth and safe operation of railways in areas expected to be affected by Cyclone 'Michaung.' As part of their disaster management preparedness, the ministry has instituted an emergency control cell at the divisional and headquarters levels.

"The Indian Railways has geared up its entire machinery in a big way to ensure and manage smooth and safe railway operations in the areas likely to be affected by the cyclonic storm 'Michaung,'" stated the Railway Ministry.

As part of its preparedness, the Indian Railways has established an emergency control cell at the divisional and HQ levels, with officers from various branches monitoring round the clock to take necessary actions related to train operations.

At the board level, a war room has been activated to continuously monitor all locations. Safety counselors have been designated for each shift to support emergency control efforts. Field officers and supervisors have been directed to be readily available to ensure smooth train operations and closely monitor the cyclone's movement and forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Health unit in the Chennai division has formulated a disaster management action plan, creating two teams for immediate response. Team A, comprising doctors and on-duty staff, is prepared to board the Self Propelled Accident Relief Trains (SPART) at platform no. 11 as soon as the message arrives and report to the officer in charge at the disaster/accident spot. Team B will handle casualty reports, with a part of the team proceeding by road, while the rest maintains communication and informs relevant authorities for emergency preparedness.

Southern Railways, along with other concerned zones, has issued emergency contact numbers and general instructions for the public. These include phone numbers for railway officials, medical teams, emergency vehicles, commercial control for public inquiries, tower wagon drivers, and a list of available equipment at various stations.

The primary focus of the instructions is on preventing loss of life and minimizing damage to railway assets. If necessary, all train operations, both passenger and freight, on the target section may be temporarily suspended in consultation with headquarters. Monsoon patrolling in sections where train operations persist is emphasized due to the expected incessant rains accompanying the cyclone.

Southern Railways, drawing from previous cyclone experiences, is closely monitoring locations that experienced maximum damage. Instructions have been issued to keep a sufficient supply of fully fueled diesel locomotives ready to facilitate train movement during emergencies. The overarching goal remains the safeguarding of lives and railway assets in the face of Cyclone 'Michaung.'