By Heavy downpours and flooding triggered by Cyclone Montha have thrown rail operations in Telangana into disarray. The storm’s residual rain bands dumped large amounts of water across railway tracks and yards, forcing the South Central Railway (SCR) to cancel, reroute and delay a swath of services for safety reasons. Passengers and authorities alike are facing the fallout, while railway officials work around the clock to restore normalcy.
Storm Impact on Rail Infrastructure
Although Cyclone Montha made landfall over the coast of Andhra Pradesh, its effects reached well into inland Telangana. In particular, the yard at Dornakal in Mahabubabad district suffered serious waterlogging on Wednesday after heavy rainfall. Telangana Today+2The Shillong Times+2
Tracks were inundated and train movement across stretches such as Mahabubabad–Dornakal–Khammam was severely impacted. The SCR reported that some services had to be either cancelled, diverted or held back until safety checks could be completed. Telangana Today+2Telangana Today+2
In many segments, standing water and flooding posed risks to traction systems, signalling equipment and train operations, prompting officials to act pre-emptively. The Shillong Times
Services Cancelled, Diverted and Delayed
SCR’s disruptions have been extensive. According to reports, dozens of trains have been cancelled and many more rescheduled or routed around affected zones. The Economic Times
For example, services such as the Vijayawada–Dornakal route, the Dornakal–Kazipet run, and the circular Tiruchanur–Charlapalli service have been listed among those fully cancelled. Telangana Today+1
In other cases, trains have been partially cancelled or held back mid-journey. One account cites the Sirpur Town to Bhadrachalam train among those partially curtailed. Telangana Today
The traveller advisory from SCR urged passengers to avoid unnecessary travel and to check current status via official platforms. Telangana Today+1
Passenger Impact and Station Conditions
With multiple services affected, many passengers found themselves stranded or facing extended delays. At stations, operations were being monitored from war-rooms and communication desks that SCR activated across divisions. Telangana Today+1
At major railheads in Telangana, help desks and helpline numbers were set up for real-time guidance. Officials advised travellers to verify train status before departing for stations. Telangana Today
In some stations, the atmosphere was tense as flooding prevented trains from entering or leaving certain yards. The precautionary cancellation of long-haul services was intended to avoid risking passenger safety in the unstable weather. The Shillong Times+1
Railway Response & Safety Measures
In anticipation of the storm’s inland effects, SCR activated a range of counter-measures. These included setting up war-rooms at divisional headquarters, deploying surveillance teams along vulnerable track sections, and assigning watch-persons at critical bridges and water-prone points. The Shillong Times+1
The railway also suspended operations on routes where track and yard flooding was severe, and temporarily shifted trains to higher or safer ground until the water receded. Maintenance crews were dispatched round-the-clock to clear debris and assess the integrity of signalling and overhead systems. Telangana Today+1
Moreover, SCR urged coordinated action with state disaster management and civil defence teams, recognising that rail disruptions were part of a broader storm-impact scenario. The Shillong Times
Regional Zones Most Affected
While coastal zones bore the brunt of Montha’s landfall, inland sections of Telangana experienced heavy rainfall and resultant rail impairments. The Mahabubabad–Dornakal–Khammam corridor was singled out as especially difficult owing to waterlogged tracks. Telangana Today+1
Other localities — including some in Warangal and surrounding districts — faced secondary impacts, particularly as the storm system lingered over central and northern Andhra Telangana with rain bands. Deccan Herald
Looking Ahead: Restoration & Outlook
Railway officials say restoration work is ongoing, but expect delays until track conditions fully stabilise. The waterlogged sections will need drainage, inspection of signalling and overhead wires, and clearance of any obstructing debris before full service can resume safely. Telangana Today+1
Passengers are being asked to check updates via official channels (IRCTC, NTES, station announcements) rather than assume services will run as scheduled. Telangana Today
The broader weather outlook indicates that while Cyclone Montha’s main system is weakening, residual rainfall and wind-effects may linger, meaning rail services may face further disruptions until the skies clear and drainage improves. Deccan Herald
Conclusion
The passage of Cyclone Montha has exposed the vulnerability of inland rail networks to severe weather — not just coastal lines. In Telangana, the South Central Railway’s timely cancellation and rerouting of services helped avoid larger disruptions, but many passengers remain inconvenienced and some areas continue to grapple with effects. As rail crews race to restore lines and stations, commuters are advised to be flexible, check status often, and allow extra time for journeys. When the infrastructure is ready, full service will gradually resume — but the interim is likely to require patience and planning.
