BDU of Vadodara Division clinches Deal to Transport Edible oil to Delhi Kishanganj

WR crossed big figure of one lakh tonnes of essentials transported by its 475 parcel special trains in lockdown

Business Development Unit (BDU) of Vadodara division have made possible transportation of edible oil from Kribhco Rail Infrastructure Ltd – Private Freight Terminal, Hazira to Delhi Kishanganj. This deal is in the line of constant efforts by the WR to ensure supply of essential items during the lockdown situation in the country. This could be made possible only through the concerted efforts of the officers and staff of Western Railway and this team work has made it possible to transport more than one lakh tonnes of essentials through its 475 parcel special trains.

According to a press release issued by WR CPRO Sumit Thakur, the BDUs set up at zonal headquarters and all divisions of WR are doing a laudable job of attracting transportation of freight. In line with this the latest development, BDU of Vadodara division is loading edible oil at Kribhco Rail Infrastructure Ltd – Private Freight Terminal, Hazira to Delhi Kishanganj, traversing 1113 lms. The loading of edible oil was done in a mini rake on 18th August, 2020 generating revenue of Rs 11 lakh. This freight loading has been made possible because of the various incentives provided by WR.

Thakur further added that since 23rd March to 18th Aug, 2020, commodities weighing above one lakh tonnes was transported to various parts of the country by WR’s 475 parcel special trains. The revenue generated through this transportation, has been approx. Rs 32.69 crore. These included 75 milk special trains, with a load of approx. 57 thousand tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons, generating revenue of approx Rs 9.81 crore.

Similarly, 376 Covid-19 special parcel trains with a load of above 34,200 tonnes were also run to transport various essential commodities, for which the revenue earned was Rs 17.33 crore. In addition to this, 24 indented rakes carrying approx. 10,400 tonnes were also run with almost 100% utilization generating revenue of about Rs 5.55 crore. On 19th August, 2020, five Parcel Special trains departed from WR, including a milk rake viz. Bandra Terminus to Jammu Tawi, Porbandar to Shalimar, Okha to New Guwahati and an indented rake from Karambeli to New Guwahati. A milk rake also left from Palanpur to Hind Terminal. During the lockdown period from 22nd March till 18th August, 2020, total 12,342 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential commodities amounting to 25.57 million tonnes.

24,272 freight trains have been interchanged with other zonal railways, in which 12,134 trains were handed over and 12,138 trains taken over at different interchange points.

The total loss of revenue over Western Railway on account of Corona Virus, has been approx. Rs 2201 crore, which includes about Rs 330 crore for suburban section and approx. Rs 1871 crore for non -suburban. Inspite of this, resulting to cancellation of tickets since 1st March, 2020 to 18th Aug, 2020, Western Railway has ensured to return refund amount of Rs.416.30 crore.

It’s worth mentioning that in this refund amount, Mumbai division alone, has ensured refund of Rs 200.38 crore. Till now, 64.20 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets over entire Western Railway & have received their refund amount accordingly.