Bhubaneswar, Dec 3: East Coast Railway (ECoR) has done preparations and groundwork to meet the challenges posed by cyclone Jawad. Taking advantage of the meteorological forecasts and also with past experiences, ECoR has planned for early restoration of train traffic and railway track, if affected by the cyclone.

Round the Clock Disaster Management Cell has been opened at ECoR headquarters at Rail Sadan and at Divisional Headquarters at Visakhapatnam, Khurda Road and Sambalpur.

ECoR has also taken initiatives including positioning of special teams for early restoration of tracks, overhead equipment, signaling system, DG sets, water tanks, and pumps. Action has been taken for smooth refund of ticket amount, opening of extra ticket counters and adequate availability of water at stations.

Additional General Manager, ECoR Sudhir Kumar today reviewed the preparedness for the cyclone in a high-level meeting at ECoR’s headquarters. He directed the concerned officials to be fully alert towards any incident like flood situation near railway track and to ensure safety of trains and smooth train operations. Kumar also directed to keep emergency power supply in ready position and give top priority for the welfare measures of field staff.

“Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel are in touch with NDRF for emergency requirements. Security has been tightened at all stations and colony areas with deployment of RPF jawans. Diesel locomotives have been placed for train movements in emergency situations. Identification of water logging locations and vulnerable areas has been done,” said an official.