Cyclone ‘Montha’: APSRTC on high alert, emergency measures in place

In view of the impending ‘Montha’ cyclone, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has gone on high alert and issued a series of precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety and uninterrupted essential services. In a conference held with all Executive Directors (EDs) and District Public Transport Officers (DPTOs), the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director (VC and MD) of APSRTC Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao directed officials to take immediate action and closely monitor field operations.

Officials have been instructed to avoid unnecessary operations and cancel night-halt services in areas expected to be affected by the cyclone. Long-distance services will be operated only on a need basis, with prior intimation to reserved passengers in case of cancellations or mergers.

Cyclone Montha updates on October 28, 2025

Operations on routes with overflowing causeways or culverts are to be suspended, while services to regions facing high wind or heavy rain are to be curtailed. The corporation will work in close coordination with district administrations, police, and railways to provide buses wherever required for emergency support.

A 24x7 special communication cell has been set up at all district headquarters and the head office from 9:00 p.m. on October 27 until normalcy is restored. Updates on incidents and operational status are to be shared every two hours or as the situation demands. Officials have also been asked to ensure the availability of drinking water and first-aid kits at all depots and bus stations, maintain generators in working condition, and keep minimum standby staff of 10 drivers and 10 conductors at each depot.

Depots located in low-lying areas have been instructed to shift buses to higher grounds, while crews have been cautioned not to ply through submerged roads. Public announcements on cyclone advisories and service cancellations will be made through station PA systems.

Mr. Rao emphasised that passenger and crew safety must take utmost priority, and no one should be allowed near weak or damaged structures in bus stations or garages.