In order to ensure the timely delivery of essential commodities for citizens and goods that is vital for energy and infrastructure sector, Indian Railways has maintained its freight corridors fully functional and has been successful in meeting the needs of both the households sector and industry by ensuring availability of essential commodities through its freight services during the nationwide lock down due to COVID-19.
During last three days Railways has delivered 7195 wagons of food grains, 64567 wagons of coal, 3314 wagons of steel and 3838 wagons of petroleum. A total 143458 wagons of freight were loaded in the last three days.
“On 1st April 2020, total 545 rakes/54177 wagons were loaded out of which 328 rakes/17805 wagons were loaded for essential commodities. This includes 54 rakes and 2343 wagons of food grains, five rakes and 210 wagons of sugar, 1 rake and 42 wagons of fruits & vegetables, 244 rakes and 14078 wagons of coal, and 24 rakes and 1132 wagons of petroleum products. Among loading of other important commodities, were 16 rakes and 685 wagons of steel and 17 rakes and 761 wagons of fertilizer,” the railways said in a statement.
Similarly, on 30th a total 726 rakes and 37526 wagons were loaded out of which 466 rakes and 25617 wagons were loaded for essential commodities (One wagon contains 58-60 ton consignment), it satd. Also, on 31 March. A total of 1005 rakes and 51755 wagons were loaded out of which 598 rakes and 33265 wagons were loaded for essential commodities.
Issues which were earlier being faced by Railways at many terminal points in loading and unloading operations are being effectively resolved. Indian Railways along with Ministry of Home affairs is keeping in touch with State Governments to sort out any such operational issue.