SCR estimates Rs 50cr loss

Disruption of rail traffic and damage to the tracks due to heavy rains that lashed the state over the past two days could cost a loss of Rs 50-60 crore, according to a preliminary estimate by the South Central Railway (SCR) authorities.

Addressing mediapersons, D N Mathur, general manager, SCR, said, "Due to major breaches on Kazipet-Vijayawada division and overflowing of water on the tracks on Vijayawada-Vizag division, 30 trains have been cancelled and 12 rescheduled today."

Explaining that there were at least six breaches on the Dornakal division, he said water was found overflowing at 42 locations, of which at least at 14 places, water was flowing two to three feet above the track level.

He said that they should be able to resume the Godavari and Gautami Express on Thursday.

"At least up to six metres below the track, earth has been washed away for about 50 metres length. It might take another five days to restore the Dornakal-Warangal division and the trains are being diverted via Guntur-Nadikudi-Bibinagar-Kazipet route. We have intimated Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Bilaspur to cancel or reschedule their trains. We have already brought in 10 earth-movers and will start the restoration work once the water recedes," he said.