The Waltair Division of East Coast Railway is back on track with restoration of the K-K line. “Most of the work has been completed and the requirement of rakes is being met. The 1 VK (Visakhapatnam-Kirandul) passenger train has been restored. Barring works like replacement of the roofing sheets on the platforms in Visakhaptnam, Duvvada and Vizianagaram railway stations, most of the other works have been completed,” Divisional Railway Manager Anil Kumar said on Wednesday.
“The requirement of roofing sheets in the city is huge in view of the colossal damage caused by the cyclone. We have placed orders and hope to get them in the next 10 to 15 days,” he said.
Asked whether there were any plans to replace the sheets with high quality ones that could withstand higher wind speeds, Mr. Anil Kumar said that the immediate thrust was on providing shelter to passengers from the sun and rain. On the demand for construction of concrete slabs for all platforms in Visakhapatnam as was done at Secunderabad, he said it involved capital expenditure and a decision on it could be taken only at a higher level.
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All flights operating to and from Visakhapatnam International Airport have been restored barring the Silk Air flight to Singapore, according to Airport Director C. Pattabhi.
A new design with higher quality roof, that can withstand wind speeds of over 250 kph, has been ordered to enable it to withstand future cyclones. “The glazing work has started and the roofing agents have arrived but the roofing material could take another 10 days to arrive,” he said.
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“The Silk Air is expected to resume their direct flights from Visakhapatnam to Singapore with effect from November 16,” Mr. Pattabhi added.