WR crossed running of 700 parcel special trains

During the lockdown period in the country Western Railway’s parcel special trains keep the supply of essential commodities moving towards various destinations. Inspite of various hurdles and labour constraints during this time they has crossed the big figure of 700 by running total 712 parcel special trains during lockdown. The revenue generated through this is about Rs 63.75 crore.

In continuation to this, on 1st December, 2020 five parcel special trains, including a milk rake left from various stations of WR. These included 2 parcel specials from Bandra Terminus to Jammu Tawi and Porbandar to Shalimar, an indent rake from Kankaria to Benapol, Kisan special from Laxmibai Nagar to New Guwahati and a milk special rake left from Palanpur to Hind Terminal.

According to a press release issued by Sumit Thakur – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Rly, since 23rd March to 30th Nov, 2020, commodities weighing approximately 1.88 lakh tonnes have been transported by Western Rly through its 712 parcel special trains, which mainly included agricultural produce, medicines, fish, milk and others. The revenue generated through this transportation, has been approx. Rs 63.75 crore. During this period, 127 milk special trains were run by Western Rly, with a load of more than 96,715 tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons.

Similarly, 513 Covid-19 special parcel trains with a load of more than 58 thousand tonnes were also run to transport various essential commodities. In addition to this, 71 indented rakes carrying approx. 32 thousand tonnes were also run with almost 100% utilization. One kisan rail was also run during the lockdown period from 22nd March till 30th November, 2020, total 23,053 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential commodities amounting to 50.47 million tonnes. 46,006 freight trains have been interchanged with other zonal railways, in which 23,024 trains were handed over and 22,982 trains taken over at different interchange points.

Thakur added that due to cancellation of tickets since 1st March, 2020 to 30th Nov, 2020, Western Railway has ensured to return refund amount of about Rs.526 crore. It’s worth mentioning that in this refund amount, Mumbai division alone, has ensured refund of Rs 259.12 crore. Till now, 81.87 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets over entire Western Railway & have received their refund amount accordingly.