Cyclone Dana, having intensified from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, is rapidly approaching the Odisha-Bengal coast, bringing with it a storm surge of travel disruptions. The storm, expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port on October 25th, Friday, is anticipated to bring winds of 100-110 km/h with gusts reaching up to 120 km/h. Authorities are actively working to minimize the impact, but significant disruptions to rail, road, and air travel have already begun to affect the region.
Rail Travel Severely Affected: 350 Trains Canceled
The Indian Railways has proactively canceled nearly 350 trains to ensure passenger safety. East Coast Railway (ECoR) has released a detailed list of suspended train services effective from October 23rd to October 25th. Popular long-distance routes, including the Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express, Kamakhya-Yesvantpur AC Express, Howrah-Bhubaneswar Shatabdi Express, and Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express, are among those affected. ECoR has established a 24/7 Disaster Management Cell to oversee emergency operations and ensure rapid restoration of train services after the cyclone’s passage. With potential damage to railway infrastructure anticipated, minimizing delays once conditions improve is a primary goal.
The South Eastern Railway has joined the efforts, canceling several express trains, including the Howrah-Puri, Puri-Kolkata, and Patna-Ernakulam Express routes. Meanwhile, the Eastern Railways has announced the cancellation of long-distance express trains, such as Dibrugarh-Kanniyakumari and Bengaluru-Guwahati. These preemptive cancellations are expected to significantly impact travel options for thousands of passengers, urging them to seek alternative arrangements.
Airports on Alert: Potential for Flight Disruptions
While flight operations in Kolkata and Bhubaneswar have not yet been suspended, airport authorities are preparing for potential cyclone-related disruptions. At Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, emergency protocols have been activated, including thorough inspections of drainage systems and key operational installations to prevent flooding or damage. Airport officials are prepared to implement standard operating procedures in case of disruptions, with contingency plans in place to resume flights quickly after the cyclone passes.
Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar has also undertaken emergency inspections to safeguard aircraft and air traffic control towers. Although flights are currently operational, passengers are advised to closely monitor updates as cancellations could occur at short notice depending on the storm’s severity. Airlines have begun issuing warnings to passengers about potential delays and cancellations.
Tourists Urged to Reconsider Travel Plans
With Cyclone Dana drawing closer, authorities have advised tourists to avoid traveling to coastal areas in Odisha and West Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has specifically urged tourists visiting Puri to return home as a precautionary measure. Local authorities are collaborating with the state tourism boards to ensure the safe evacuation of tourists from high-risk zones.
Several tourist hotspots along the coast, including the beaches of Puri and Digha, are expected to be affected by the cyclone. Hotels and resorts in these areas have been instructed to cooperate with the evacuation process, prioritizing guest safety. Tourists with planned visits to the region are urged to reschedule their trips and avoid non-essential travel during this period.
Evacuations and School Closures Add to Travel Chaos
Authorities have commenced the evacuation of nearly 10 lakh people from coastal districts in Odisha and West Bengal. This large-scale evacuation has led to the closure of schools in high-risk areas, adding to the travel chaos. In Odisha, schools in 14 coastal districts, including Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, and Balasore, are closed. Similarly, in West Bengal, academic activities have been suspended in seven districts, including South and North 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and Hooghly.
The mass relocation of people, combined with the closure of schools and other public services, is causing widespread travel disruptions across both states. Travelers in these areas are advised to stay informed about developments and make alternative arrangements as necessary.
Rescue Forces Mobilized to Protect Travelers
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Coast Guard have deployed teams to coastal areas in Odisha and West Bengal. These rescue teams are not only focusing on local residents but also assisting stranded travelers and tourists in vulnerable zones. The Coast Guard has stationed vessels and aircraft to respond swiftly to any emergencies that may arise in the Bay of Bengal. State and district-level control rooms have been established to coordinate evacuation and rescue efforts, with special attention given to tourists and travelers who may be unfamiliar with the region and its risks.
Bangladesh Issues Travel and Port Warnings
Bangladesh, which shares a coastline along the Bay of Bengal, has also issued travel warnings to fishermen and travelers. Ports along the southern coast of Bangladesh have been placed on high alert as Cyclone Dana could potentially impact the region. While international flights from Bangladesh remain operational, travelers are urged to take necessary precautions and avoid non-essential travel to coastal areas.
Travelers Must Brace for Major Disruptions
As Cyclone Dana approaches, travelers across Odisha and West Bengal are facing widespread disruptions to their plans. With rail services canceled, flights potentially affected, and large-scale evacuations underway, it is crucial for both locals and tourists to stay informed and prioritize safety. Authorities are working diligently to mitigate the impact, but the cyclone’s strong winds and heavy rains will likely cause ongoing travel chaos in the days to come.
