Repair works in progress at cyclone Titli effected site in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: The Railway authorities immediately rushed to the cyclone effected site and started restoration works on war footing. More than 300 work force apart from railway teams including track specialists, bridge engineers, signal and telecom engineers are engaged in the restoration works.

It is estimated that about Rs 3.5 crore loss has been incurred due to damage of railway infrastructure in the section. The authorities deployed four heavy duty proclaimers that are engaged round the clock in the restoration works.

The Severe cyclonic storm Titli that hit over West-Central Bay of Bengal, damaged the Naupada-Gunupur section of Waltair Division. The storm uprooted several huge trees and heavy sudden inundation of rain water lead to wash out of railway infrastructure at several places in Naupada-Gunupur line.

About half kilometre track was completely washed out and station buildings at Parlakhemundi, Pathapatnam, Naupada were damaged. Signal poles and station equipment were damaged. Due to the heavy rain fall and uproot of trees all the roads were blocked and communication was completely damaged.

Divisional Railway Manager Mukul Saran Mathur inspected the cyclone affected areas to assess the damage and interacted with the railway employees and their family members residing in the railway colonies.

The restoration teams have already brought back 300 metres track and the restoration works will likely to be completed by October 21 and the train services will commence immediately after the restoration of entire section, the DRM said.