Bhubaneswar, Aug. 18 -- With heavy rain lashing several parts of Odisha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday directed officials to intensify monitoring of vulnerable railway sections and ensure safe and uninterrupted train operations across the East Coast region.

According to a report by Times of India, reviewing the rainfall situation and its impact on railway services, Vaishnaw asked the South Eastern Railway (SER) general manager to maintain a close watch on stretches prone to waterlogging and take preventive measures to minimise disruptions.

The minister placed special emphasis on the Rupsa-Baripada-Bangriposi and Rourkela-Bondamunda sections and directed railway authorities to deploy additional manpower and resources in the...