Cyclone Montha: 65 trains cancelled, flights hit as Andhra coast braces for storm

The South Central Railway (SCR) has cancelled a large number of passenger and express trains scheduled for October 28 and 29 as Cyclone Montha nears the Andhra Pradesh coast. The decision, taken in the interest of passenger safety, affects key routes across the Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, and Bhimavaram sectors.

The cancellations cover more than 65 train services across coastal Andhra routes, spanning October 28 and 29.

Flight operations have also been affected. Authorities at Visakhapatnam Airport confirmed that all IndiGo and Air India Express flights scheduled for October 28 have been cancelled due to adverse weather. Passengers have been advised to check flight status before travelling to the airport.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange warning for the Andhra coast as Cyclone Montha continues to move north-northwestwards over the Bay of Bengal. The storm is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday morning and make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, around Kakinada, by the evening or night of October 28, with wind speeds expected to reach 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.

Formed from a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal late on October 26, Montha has steadily strengthened as it tracks toward the Andhra coast. Authorities have deployed disaster response teams, evacuated residents from low-lying areas, and urged the public to stay indoors and follow safety advisories. Travellers are advised to monitor official updates from railways, airlines, and the IMD.

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