The Indian Railways has loaded more than 7.75 lakh tonnes (303 rakes) of private food grains (PFG) freight across the country in last three days compared to about 6.62 lakh tonnes (243 rakes) last year in the same period.
The ministry said that Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamilnadu are the leading states in private food grains (PFG) freight loading.
Indian Railways is making all efforts to ensure that farm products like food grains are picked up on time and also to ensure timely supply during the nationwide lock down due to COVID-19, it said in a statement.
“Indian Railways continues in its endeavour to ensure availability of essential commodities like food grain across the country through its freight and parcel services during the nationwide lock down due to COVID-19,” it said, adding that loading, transportation and unloading of these essential commodities has been in progress in full swing during the lockdown period.
It further said that Railways has also identified routes for Parcel Special Trains since the start of the lockdown for perishable commodities including fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products and seeds for agriculture purpose.
“Trains are being run even on those routes where demand is less, so that no part of the country remains unconnected,” it said, adding that trains have been given en-route stoppages at all feasible locations, so that maximum possible clearance of parcels may be done.
