Following the announcement that the depression zone, initially formed over the Bay of Bengal and subsequently intensifying into an extremely violent cyclone ‘Fani’, will cross the coast over the coastal districts of the states of Odisha and West Bengal on 3rd May (tomorrow, Friday), more than 43 trains have been cancelled as a precautionary measure.
The severe cyclone Fani is set to cross the southern the coast of Puri District in the state of Odisha on Friday, 3rd May (tomorrow).
It is expected that Fani which has transformed into an extremely violent cyclone will cross the coast over the Gopalpur and Cadbali located in the district of Puri, Odisha during tomorrow (3rd May) afternoon. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that the during coastal crossing of the cyclone Fani, very strong winds may blow at high speeds from 175 kmph to 185 kmph.
Subsequently, the state government of Odisha has warned that tourists must not undertake any trip to Puri. It has also announced a holiday for all schools and colleges from today (Thursday, 2nd May).
Due to this warning news about cyclone Fani, the Election Commission has relaxed certain Elections Rules and Regulations.
Considering the safety of passengers, as a precautionary action, over 43 train services between Howrah and Puri have been cancelled. The Southeastern Railway has cancelled the services of 12 trains on 2nd and on the 3rd of May.
The services of Express trains from Howrah arriving at Chennai, Trichy, and Yashwanthpur, Haragpur-Villupuram Express, and Bhuvaneshwar-Rameswaram Express has been cancelled.
Precautionary actions on account of cyclone Fani have been initiated in the state of West Bengal as well.
The residents of the coastal areas and the tourists have been advised to shift to safer places. It has also been advised that the fishermen who ventured in the central coastal area must return immediately.