In order to ensure enough availability of food grains for Public Distribution system (PDS), Indian Railways loaded 4.2 million food grains during the lockdown period between 25th March and 17th April which is double the amount transported last year.
Indian Railways making all efforts to ensure that farm products like food grains are picked up on time and also to ensure uninterrupted supply chain, the ministry said in a statement, adding that to ensure that kitchens of all Indian homes continue to run normally, on 17th of April, 83 rakes in 3601 wagons of food grains were loaded (One wagon contains 58-60 ton consignment).
“The loading, transportation and unloading of these essential commodities has been in progress in full swing during the lockdown period. Close association is being maintained with Ministry of Agriculture for food grains loading,” it said.
It may be noted that CONCOR is also working with NAFED to ensure transpiration of pulses in a big way.
The ministry said that Indian Railways has also identified 65 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.
“Till 17th April, 66 routes have been notified and time tabled trains are being run on these routes. Trains are being run even on those routes where demand is less, so that no part of the country remains unconnected. Trains have been given en-route stoppages at all feasible locations, so that maximum possible clearance of parcels may be done,” it added.