Empty train coaches serve as relief centres
Visakhaptnam, October 12: The South Central Railway has pitched in to provide cyclone relief centres - positioning four trains with 55 empty coaches at four key stations in a first-of-its-kind effort. The railways kept 15 coaches at Samalkot, 16 at Tuni, six at Kakinada and 18 in Rajahmundry.
The railway stations, institutes and community halls have also been opened to the public as storm shelters - especially those between Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam.
While Vishakhapatnam is expected to be worst hit by Cyclone Hudhud, the East Godavari Distict is one of the three other districts that would be massively affected.
Railway station buildings at key stations like Rajahmundry, Samalkot, Kakinada, Annavaram, Tuni and Anakapalli will also serve as temporary shelters.
"These special measures are aimed to meet the needs of the passengers and also the locally displaced railway employees and the general public in case of any emergency," the Railways said in a statement.
The South Central Railway has cancelled 62 trains, curtailed five and diverted 51 trains.
News Posted: 12 October, 2014
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