Cyclone Fani: Special trains to evacuate tourists

The Indian Railways on Thursday said 225 trains have been cancelled along Odisha coastal line on Chennai-Kolkata route till May 4, ahead of Cyclone Fani's anticipated landfall on Friday.

Trains cancelled include 140 Mail/Express trains and 83 passenger trains. "All trains cancelled in Bhadrak-Vizianagaram section (along Odisha coastline) of Kolkata-Chennai route till May 4 afternoon in view of cyclone Fani," a railway spokesperson said.

The national transporter also pressed special trains into service on Thursday to evacuate tourists and visitors from Odisha mostly in Puri and surrounding areas, said the officials here.  

The railways have issued directions to the divisional managers of all zones mostly in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, frequent announcements are to be made at important stations for sensitising passengers about the cancellations.

The railways also said that it would grant full refund to passengers for the cancelled or diverted trains if tickets are produced for cancellation within three days from the scheduled date of journey.

The railways also issued instructions that dry food items, 'janata khana' and water bottles in sufficient quantities were to be made available at catering stalls of all major stations.

"Emergency control is to operate round the clock with helpline numbers for guiding passengers. No staff will be allowed to go on leave in the next three days," the Railways said.