Hyderabad: The continuous heavy rains in the two Telugu States have caused flooding, which has affected several railway tracks across the South Central Railway (SCR) network. Due to this, many trains have been canceled or had their routes changed.
The waterlogging between Kesamudram-Intikanne, Tadla Pusapalli-Mahabubabad, and Rayanapdu railway stations has forced the cancellation or diversion of many train services. Several trains on the Vijayawada-Kazipet route have been canceled. Over the last two days, around 177 trains were canceled, and nine trains were partially canceled. To avoid delays in the affected areas, 103 trains were diverted to different routes. Passengers on some of the halted trains faced significant challenges.
To help passengers, the SCR has set up Help Lines at multiple locations, including Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Kazipet, and Vijayawada, among others. These Help Lines provide updated information about train services to the public.
Arun Kumar Jain, the SCR General Manager, is closely monitoring the situation. He is in constant communication with the concerned Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) to assess the situation on the ground. Emergency control rooms have been established at various locations, including the SCR Headquarters in Secunderabad and the divisional offices in Secunderabad, Guntur, and Vijayawada. These control rooms are staffed around the clock by senior officers from different departments. The SCR is also working closely with State government officials to keep track of the weather forecast and flood water levels.
To manage the situation, alternative arrangements have been made. For example, train no 12728 (Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Godavari Express) and train no 12622 (New Delhi-Chennai Tamil Nadu Express) were temporarily stopped at Kondapalli station due to water-logging. Passengers were transported by RTC buses from Rayanpadu to Vijayawada, and a special train was arranged from Vijayawada to Visakhapatnam. Approximately 1,500 passengers boarded this special train to Visakhapatnam.
For passengers affected by the cancellations, delays, or changes in train schedules, fare refunds are being provided. Special arrangements at stations have been made to assist passengers in getting their refunds. Those who booked their tickets online through IRCTC for canceled trains will receive a full refund automatically.
