In the wake of relentless heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the South Central Railway (SCR) has announced the cancellation of 21 additional trains and the diversion of 10 others due to significant waterlogging at various locations. The incessant downpour has also caused extensive damage to the railway track between Kesamudram and Mahabubabad in Telangana, further complicating rail operations in the region.The SCR issued a bulletin on Sunday detailing the disruptions. Among the cancelled services are prominent routes such as the 12669 MGR Chennai Central to Chhapra, 12670 Chhapra to MGR Chennai Central, 12615 MGR Chennai Central to New Delhi, and 12616 New Delhi to MGR Chennai Central. Additionally, trains including 12763 Tirupati to Secunderabad, 22352 SMVT Bengaluru to Patliputra, 22674 Mannargudi to Bhagat Ki Kothi, and 20805 Vishakhapatnam to New Delhi, along with six others, have been diverted to alternative routes.South Central Railway has advised the following changes in the pattern of train services followingheavy rain in the zone and due to heavy water flow /water logging at Rayanapadu Station in Vijayawada – Kazipet section of South Central Railway #SouthernRailway pic.twitter.com/VOXrkYAwB8— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) September 2, 2024Compounding the challenges, heavy water flow at Rayanapadu has led to the diversion of two more trains: SMVB Bengaluru to Danapur and Danapur to SMVB Bengaluru. Affected passengers were transported by road to Kazipet Junction, where two scratch rakes—temporary trains assembled from spare coaches—were prepared to facilitate their onward journeys.This latest disruption follows the earlier cancellation of over 20 trains and the diversion of more than 30 services by SCR due to similar weather-related issues. In response, the railways have established helpline numbers to assist affected passengers, ensuring their safety and convenience during this challenging period.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally reached out to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, assuring them of all possible assistance from the central government to manage the crisis.Meanwhile, Telanganas Transport and Backward Classes Welfare Minister, Poonam Prabhakar, visited Kazipet Junction in Hanumakonda on Sunday to interact with stranded passengers and address their concerns. Accompanied by local officials, he assured passengers that the railway track would be restored promptly once the floodwaters recede and normal train services would resume.Additionally, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka conducted an on-site inspection of flood-affected areas in Errupalem Mandal, Khammam district, to oversee relief efforts and assess the ongoing situation.
