Train, flight services to be hit as cyclone Fani nears Odisha coast

81 trains cancelled, two others diverted; no flight cancellations yet; state govt asks all inbound tourists to exit Puri by May 2

The severe cyclonic storm Fani, which is advancing towards the Odisha coast, is likely to stall essential services such as movement of trains, flight operations and tourism.

As many as 81 trains have been cancelled with two others diverted because of the imminent tropical storm to batter the coast of Puri.

Airline operators have hitherto not announced any cancellation of flights, S C Hota, director of Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar said.

"We have taken a series of meetings with all the stakeholders. Elaborate arrangements have been made so that any damage due to the cyclone can be minimised", said