WR special parcel trains transport 19000 tonnes of essential goods in last 34 days

Western Railway play important role in service of the nation during the toughest time of nation wide lockdown due to corona pandemic. They transport 19 thousand tonnes of most essential commodities to different parts of the country through its Parcel special trains, during the period of last 34 days from 23rd March to 25th April, 2020, resulting the earnings of about Rs 5.65 crore.

According to a press release issued by WR CPRO Ravinder Bhakar, since 23rd March to 25th April, 2020, sixteen milk special trains were run by Western Rly, with a load of more than 11000 tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons generating revenue of above Rs 1.96 crore. Similarly, 89 Covid-19 special parcel trains were also run during this period to transport essential commodities, for which the revenue earned was Rs 2.91 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.

He said that seven parcel special trains left from WR for various parts of the country on 26th April, 2020 from Porbandar – Shalimar, Bandra Terminus – Ludhiana, Okha – Bandra Terminus, Bandra Terminus – Okha, Bhuj – Dadar, Karambeli – New Guwahati and Palanpur – Salchapra. One Railway Milk Rake also left from Palanpur to Hind Terminal.

It’s worth mentioning that during the lockdown period in the wake of COVID-19, despite challenging situations with limited transport options, Western Railway has taken the responsibility of transporting essential items like medicines, medical equipments, food grains in small parcel sizes across the nation.

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, cmicccg@gmail.com.

Bhakar stated that during the lockdown period from 22nd March to 25th April, 2020, total 2273 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential commodities amounting to 4.92 million tonnes. 4775 freight trains were interchanged with other railways, including 2403 trains handed over and 2372 trains taken over at different interchange points. 109 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 losses over Western Railway up to 25th April, 2020 have been estimated as Rs 575.11 Cr (inclusive of suburban + non-suburban). Inspite of this, due to cancellation of tickets till now, Western Railway has ensured to refund Rs. 204.77 crore. It’s worth mentioning that in this refund amount, Mumbai division itself, has ensured refund of Rs 99.79 crore. Till now, 32.34 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets over entire Western Railway & have received their refund amount accordingly.