Bhubaneswar, Odisha: In anticipation of Cyclone Dana's landfall, the East Coast Railway (ECR) has canceled or diverted 203 trains to ensure passenger safety. The decision comes as the cyclone is expected to make landfall between midnight tonight and October 25th near Dhamra Port and Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha.

ECR General Manager, Parmeshwar Funkwal, stated that the railway is "fully geared" to address the cyclone's impact. Emergency Response Teams have been deployed, and 'War Rooms' are operational at various locations to coordinate efforts. Funkwal emphasized that no passenger trains will operate in cyclone-affected areas, with special focus on the Bhubaneswar-Bhadrak and Paradeep sections.

The cancellations and diversions aim to minimize disruptions to passenger services while prioritizing safety. Funkwal assured the public that the railway is taking all necessary measures under the direction of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the state's commitment to zero casualties. Over 3 lakh people have been evacuated, with 2,300 pregnant women moved to safer locations. More than 7,000 cyclone shelters are prepared, along with medical and veterinary teams on standby. Ministers have been deployed to oversee operations across 10 districts, with police ensuring public safety and generators installed at district hospitals to maintain power supply. NDRF and ODRAF teams are also on high alert in affected areas.

Fishermen in Andhra Pradesh have been warned against venturing into the sea on Thursday and Friday due to rough conditions already reported near Visakhapatnam. Visuals from Digha Beach in West Bengal's East Medinipur district depict turbulent waves in anticipation of the cyclone's landfall.