WR run 116 parcel and 19 milk special trains during lockdown

Despite nationwide lockdown, Western Railway’s Parcel Express trains as well as goods trains continue to transport essential commodities to various parts of the country. In the wake of COVID19 WR ensuring the supply of milk, medicines and other necessary products to different parts of the country through its various trains. It also transports essential items like medical equipment, food, and others in small parcel sizes across the nation.

According to a press release issued by WR CPRO Ravinder Bhakar, since 23rd March to 30th April, 2020, commodities weighing almost 23000 tonnes have been transported by Western Rly through its various parcel special trains, which included agricultural produce, medicines, fish, milk. The earnings generated through this transportation has been approx Rs 6.95 crore. Nineteen milk special trains were run by Western Rly, with a load of more than 13700 tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons, generating revenue of approx Rs 2.36 crore.

Similarly, 116 Covid-19 special parcel trains were also run to transport essential commodities, for which the revenue earned was Rs 3.82 crore. In addition to this, 4 indented rakes carrying 1864 tonnes were also run with 100% utilization generating revenue of more than Rs 77.65 lakh.

Bhakar informed that four parcel special trains left from WR for various parts of the country on 1st May, 2020 viz. Okha – Guwahati, Dadar – Bhuj, Mumbai Central – Firozpur and Bandra Terminus – Okha. In addition to this one milk rake left from Palanpur to Hind Terminal. It’s worth mentioning that WR has also made available a dedicated Helpline No 9004490982 which is manned 24×7 by WR’s commercial staff for any parcel booking related assistance. An email id has also been created for the same purpose i.e cmicccg@gmail.com.

Bhakar further stated that during the lockdown period from 22nd March to 30th April, 2020, total 2690 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential commodities amounting to 5.86 million tonnes. 5548 freight trains have been interchanged with other railways, including 2802 trains handed over and 2746 trains taken over at different interchange points. 141 Millennium Parcel rakes of Parcel Vans/Railway Milk Tankers (RMTs) have been sent to different parts of the country to supply as per the demands of essential items such as milk powder, liquid milk and other general consumer goods.

The total loss of earnings over Western Railway in the month of March 2020 was Rs 207.11 crore and in the month of April Rs 449.52 crore. Thus the total loss has been Rs 656.63 crore on account of lockdown (inclusive of suburban + non-suburban). Inspite of this, due to cancellation of tickets till now, Western Railway has ensured to refund amount of Rs. 206.06 crore. It’s also worth mentioning that in this refund amount, Mumbai division alone, has ensured refund of Rs 100.38 crore. Till now, 32.49 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets over entire Western Railway & have received their refund amount accordingly.