By The Bay of Bengal system Cyclone Montha is forecast to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm as it approaches the Andhra coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for strong winds (90-100 km/h, gusts up to 110 km/h) and heavy to very heavy rainfall for coastal Andhra Pradesh, including the Visakhapatnam region. The Times of India+2The Times of India+2
In view of this, the East Coast Railway (ECoR), which handles the Waltair (Visakhapatnam) division, has placed its operations on high alert: tracks, bridges, drainage and signalling systems are under close inspection, maintenance crews have cleared side-drains, and emergency teams placed on standby. Deccan Chronicle
Given the abnormally adverse weather risk — with high winds, rainfall, possible flooding and debris on tracks — the railway authorities opted to cancel many services as a precautionary measure, to ensure passenger safety and minimise the risk of train mishaps or stranded travellers. The Hans India+1
2. Scope and timing of cancellations
The cancellations span multiple days, with services scheduled on 27 October, 28 October, and in some cases 29 October being affected. The Hans India+1
In total, the East Coast Railway announced the cancellation of 43 trains in the Waltair region and connected routes. The Hans India+1
Some sources note that the broader railway network (including South Central Railway) cancelled up to 60-70+ trains in the region in view of the cyclone. India TV News+1
Thus the disruption is significant, and passengers planning travel to/from Visakhapatnam or along east-coast routes are strongly advised to check status updates.
3. Specific train cancellations at/through Visakhapatnam
Below are some of the key cancelled services that originate from, terminate at, or pass through Visakhapatnam (VSKP) affected by Cyclone Montha:
- Train No. 18515: Visakhapatnam → Kirandul (Night Express) – cancelled leaving VSKP on 27 October. NDTV Profit+1
- Train No. 18516: Kirandul → Visakhapatnam (Night Express) – cancelled leaving Kirandul on 28 October. NDTV Profit+1
- Train No. 58501: Visakhapatnam → Kirandul (Passenger) – cancelled leaving VSKP on 28 October. Deccan Chronicle
- Train No. 58502: Kirandul → Visakhapatnam (Passenger) – cancelled. Deccan Chronicle
- Train No. 58538: Visakhapatnam → Koraput (Passenger) – cancelled leaving VSKP on 28 October. NDTV Profit+1
- Train No. 18512: Visakhapatnam → Koraput (Express) – cancelled leaving VSKP on 27 October. NDTV Profit+1
- Train No. 67285: Rajahmundry → Visakhapatnam MEMU – cancelled. NDTV Profit+1
- Train No. 17268: Visakhapatnam → Kakinada Port Express – cancelled. The Hans India+1
- Train No. 22869: Visakhapatnam → Chennai Central Weekly Express – cancelled on 27 October. OdishaTv
- Train No. 12861: Visakhapatnam → Mahabubnagar Superfast – cancelled. OdishaTv
This list is not exhaustive, but provides a representative cross-section of how major routes involving Visakhapatnam have been suspended or cancelled as a precaution. One source describes a “full list of cancellations from Visakhapatnam Oct 27–29”. BizzBuzz
4. Impacts on passengers and rail operations
For passengers
- If you were scheduled to travel from or to Visakhapatnam or adjacent stations between 27-29 October, you must check train status ahead of departure. Many services have been cancelled without alternate substitution.
- Travel plans on the routes VSKP-Kirandul, VSKP-Koraput, VSKP-Kakinada, VSKP-Rajahmundry, VSKP-Chennai etc are particularly affected.
- Even if your train is not explicitly listed as cancelled, local disruptions (flooding, track damage, signalling failure) may cause delays or partial cancellations.
- Passengers should consider postponing non-essential travel during this period until weather conditions stabilise.
- Check official updates from ECoR/X, Indian Railways announcements, or station enquiry counters.
For operations
- The railway division is on heightened watch: inspections of tracks, bridges, yards and signalling within the Waltair division have been ramped up. Deccan Chronicle+1
- The cancellations are being used proactively to avoid stranded trains and ensure safety rather than reactively wait for damage.
- Once the cyclone subsides and weather normalises, services will be restored — but there may be a backlog of delays, rakes/trains repositioning, and perhaps some diversions or speed restrictions.
5. What travellers should do: tips & precautions
- Verify train number and status: Do not assume your train will run as scheduled; even those not on the “cancelled” list may face disruptions.
- Allow extra time: Travel may take longer due to slow‐downs or route diversions in the aftermath of the storm.
- Stay updated on weather: If heavy rainfall or strong winds affect your travel day, be alert to announcements of delays, diversions or further cancellations.
- Consider alternatives or postponement: If your travel is not urgent, it may make sense to delay until services are back to full normal.
- Follow official advisories: In many coastal/semi-coastal stations, there may be temporary suspension of local transport, additional safety checks, or station evacuations in extreme situations.
- Pack for contingencies: With bad weather, stations may face utility disruption, delays, or crowded waiting areas — carry essentials (water, snacks, charger) and keep informed of your onward connectivity.
6. Summary
In summary, as Cyclone Montha approaches the Andhra coast, the railway authorities have taken proactive measures by cancelling dozens of train services — especially those running through or originating/terminating at Visakhapatnam — between 27 and 29 October. These steps aim to safeguard passenger safety in the face of strong winds, heavy rainfall and possible track hazards. If you are travelling to or from Visakhapatnam in this window, it is vital to re-check your train schedule, consider whether travel can be deferred, and stay alert to announcements from the railway.
