The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of widespread heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and 55–65 km/h squalls from 20–26 September as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensifies into a deep depression. Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and parts of Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal are on high alert, with coastal areas braced for rough seas and possible flooding. The advisory notes potential impacts on road, rail and air traffic—water-logging, landslides, reduced visibility and uprooted trees. Airlines typically pre-cancel flights at Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad when cross-winds exceed safe limits, while Indian Railways may impose speed restrictions on the East Coast corridor. For logistics and mobility planners, contingency measures include rerouting high-value freight, pre-positioning ground transport for diverted flights, and activating work-from-home protocols for staff in the storm’s path. Multinationals with plants in the eastern manufacturing belt should review Business Continuity Plans, especially for perishable or just-in-time supply chains. Travel-risk managers should advise employees to monitor airline apps and IMD bulletins, carry flexible tickets and avoid coastal driving during peak landfall windows. Given that Delhi-NCR could see thunderstorms later in the week, even northern itineraries might face knock-on delays. The IMD alert underscores how climate-driven weather volatility is becoming a core consideration in corporate travel and assignment planning, necessitating dynamic risk assessment rather than static seasonal calendars.
Source: Business Today
