Bhubaneswar: With heavy rain lashing parts of Odisha, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday directed officials to intensify monitoring of vulnerable track sections and ensure safe and uninterrupted train operations across the east coast region.Reviewing the rainfall situation and its impact on railway services, Vaishnaw asked the South Eastern Railway (SER) general manager to maintain close watch over stretches prone to waterlogging and take preventive measures to minimise train disruptions. The minister laid special emphasis on the Rupsa-Baripada-Bangriposi and Rourkela-Bondamunda sections, directing authorities to deploy additional manpower and resources in these areas.Railway officials have been instructed to continuously monitor water levels, track conditions and embankments, particularly at vulnerable locations, and remain prepared for immediate intervention if rainfall intensifies.The review comes amid widespread rainfall in several parts of the state, raising concerns over waterlogging and its potential impact on railway infrastructure and train movement.Vaishnaw stressed that passenger safety must remain paramount and directed officials to keep emergency resources on standby to respond swiftly to any rain-related contingencies and maintain smooth railway operations.