In view of the approaching Cyclone Montha, which is expected to make landfall near Kakinada on October 28, 2025, several train services from Visakhapatnam have been cancelled or rescheduled by Indian Railways. The move comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and railway staff amid severe weather warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Why Did Indian Railways Cancel Trains from Visakhapatnam?
According to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Pavan Kumar, the cancellations were carried out “in the interest of passenger safety” based on IMD alerts and regional weather reports. Cyclone Montha is projected to make landfall with strong winds and heavy rainfall, posing risks to railway operations along the coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
The railway authorities took these precautionary steps to avoid potential disruptions, track flooding, or damage to rail infrastructure caused by severe weather conditions.
Which Trains Were Cancelled Due to Cyclone Montha?
As per the official statement, nine trains originating from Visakhapatnam and one from Bhubaneswar have been cancelled for October 28, 2025. The affected trains include:
- 12727 Visakhapatnam–Hyderabad Godavari Express
- 22203 Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad Duronto Express
- 20811 Visakhapatnam–Nanded Express
- 12739 Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad Garib Rath Express
- 20805 Visakhapatnam–New Delhi A.P. Superfast Express
- 17220 Visakhapatnam–Machilipatnam Express
- 18519 Visakhapatnam–LTT (Mumbai) Express
- 17244 Rayagada–Guntur Express
- 12861 Visakhapatnam–Mahabubnagar Express
- 11020 Bhubaneswar–CST Mumbai Konark Express (passing through Visakhapatnam)
These cancellations were made as a proactive measure to prevent delays and ensure passenger safety until weather conditions improve.
Which Trains Have Been Diverted or Rescheduled?
Along with cancellations, some trains have been diverted and rescheduled due to the cyclone’s impact on the East Coast Railway network. The following train has been diverted:
- Train No. 12703 Howrah–Secunderabad Falaknuma Express, leaving Howrah on October 28, will run on a diverted route via Vizianagaram, Titlagarh, Lakholi, Raipur, Nagpur, and Ballharshah.
Additionally, 11 other long-distance trains have been rescheduled to depart late from their originating stations by 1.5 hours to up to 12 hours, depending on the operational requirements and weather situation.
IMD Alert: Cyclone Montha’s Expected Landfall and Impact
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Cyclone Montha will make landfall near Kakinada on the night of October 28, 2025. The cyclone is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds along coastal Andhra Pradesh and northern parts of Odisha. Authorities have issued red alerts and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea.
District administrations are on high alert, with evacuation measures and disaster management teams deployed in vulnerable coastal areas.
Safety Advice for Passengers and the General Public
Passengers are strongly advised to check the latest train status before heading to railway stations. The Indian Railways has urged travelers to stay updated through:
- Official Indian Railways website (www.indianrailways.gov.in)
- Railway inquiry offices at respective stations
- Customer helplines and social media handles of East Coast Railway and South Central Railway
Travelers should avoid unnecessary travel until the weather stabilizes and services are restored safely.
Expert Insight: Importance of Precautionary Cancellations
Railway safety experts emphasize that temporary cancellations and diversions during cyclones are essential preventive actions. With India’s coastal rail lines often exposed to flooding and strong winds, proactive scheduling changes help prevent accidents and ensure passenger protection.
Such safety-oriented decisions also align with disaster management protocols under India’s National Rail Safety Policy, ensuring that passenger lives remain the top priority during extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
The cancellation of nine trains from Visakhapatnam and one from Bhubaneswar on October 28, 2025, due to Cyclone Montha, underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to safety first. As authorities monitor the cyclone’s path and weather conditions evolve, travelers are urged to remain patient and stay informed through official sources before making any travel plans.
References
- Official Press Release – South Central Railway, October 28, 2025
- India Meteorological Department (IMD) Cyclone Updates
- East Coast Railway Operations Notice
- Local News Reports from Visakhapatnam Division
Also Read: Hyderabad Weather Alert: Will Lightning and Rain Hit Soon?
About the Author:
Rohit Kumar
I am a skilled content writer and SEO expert with a passion for crafting engaging and informative content. I currently work at Possible11, where I contribute to the company's blog and social media channels. I am also a contributing writer for several online publications. With over 500 articles under my belt, I have a deep understanding of how to create high-quality content that resonates with readers and drives traffic. I am also an expert in SEO, and I know how to optimize content for search engines to improve its visibility. I am a valuable asset to any team, and I am always ready to take on new challenges.
