67 express trains cancelled, five from Mumbai after Cyclone Biparjoy alert

In addition to this, various safety and security precautions are also being taken care of by WR for train passengers in cyclone prone areas. Refund will be admissible as per extant rule, reads the official statement released on Monday June 12, 2023.

Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to hit Saurashtra and Kutch region of Gujarat, covering Bhavnagar, Rajkot and Ahmedabad divisions of WR. The most vulnerable to this cyclone are sections of Veraval-Junagad, Rajkot-Okha, Porbandar-Kanalus, and Viramgam–Gandhidham-Bhuj.

Disaster management room has been made operational at WR headquarters and at divisional headquarters at Bhavnagar, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad, with round the clock manning by officials of operating, engineering, mechanical, electrical, commercial, S&T and RPF departments.

Additionally, a control office has also been made operational at Gandhidham. Hotlines between HQ disaster control and divisional disaster control will ensure smooth functioning. A close liaison is being maintained by divisional officers for regular updates with IMD and State Government.

Sumit Thakur, Chief Public Relation Official at WR, said that wind speed is being monitored at 5 locations in Bhavnagar division, at 8 locations in Rajkot and at 3 locations in Ahmedabad division on hourly basis. Station masters were instructed to regulate/stop trains when the wind velocity exceeds 50 kmph. Track and bridges will be patrolled. In case of any infringement to train operations i.e tree/OHE mast leaning/falling, immediate action will be taken to stop the train/ switch off traction power and inform the control room. The communication system is also being strengthened with facilities like wireless communication, 15 VHF sets, satellite phones etc.

Help desks have been opened at Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Veraval and Junagadh in Bhavnagar division, Okha, Dwarka, Khambhaliya , Jamnagar, Hapa, Surendranagar and Morbi in Rajkot Division, and Gandhidham and Bhuj in Ahmedabad division.