WR to run 2 trips of one more timetabled train between Palanpur and Fatuha

In this lockdown period in wake of COVID-19, Western Railway is transporting ‘Essential Supplies’ to various parts across the country through its special parcel trains. In continuation to this, one more timetabled parcel special train has been scheduled to run between Palanpur and Fatuha.

According to a press release issued by WR CPRO Ravinder Bhakar, WR is contributing in a big way through supply of medical goods. During 23rd March to 22nd April, 2020, medicines along with medical goods, such as masks, sanitizers, PPE , surgical goods weighing more than 610 tonnes were transported generating earnings of Rs 20.56 lakhs. Ahmedabad division of WR has been a major contributor towards the transportation through the parcel special trains.

Since 25th March to 22nd April, 2020, Ahmedabad division has transported more than 3800 tonnes of Amul products in 9 parcel cargo express trains and above 10000 tonnes of milk were sent by 231 Railway Milk Tankers. Moreover, after introducing Inter / Intra Railway Special Parcel Trains from 1st April,2020, other essential commodities were also transported. Accordingly, 67.32 tonnes of Medicines, 149.73 tonnes of Medical Goods which includes Masks, Sanitizer, Surgical Goods, Gloves, 13.03 tonnes of Agricultural Produce, 10.43 tonne of Fish and 27.09 tonne of other miscellaneous goods were also loaded and dispatched through 73 trips of Inter/Intra Railway Parcel Trains. It is also worth mentioning that other medicines for chronic diseases such as Cancer, Heart disease, Diabetes, Arthritis, etc. are also being booked & transported.

This facility of transportation is not just limited to regular parcel customers & leaseholders, but to individuals also. All precautions are being taken at the time of booking, loading and unloading of parcels. All staff are being provided with suitable safety equipments, so as not to be a hazard for others in any way.

Bhakar further stated that, one more parcel special train with two trips has been planned to run by WR between Palanpur and Fatuha. Train No 00943 Palanpur – Fatuha parcel special train will depart from Palanpur on 25th April, 2020 at 23.00 hrs to reach Fatuha at 01.50 hrs on the third day. Similarly, Train No 00944 Fatuha – Palanpur parcel special train will depart from Fatuha on 27th April, 2020 at 13.30 hrs to reach Palanpur at 17.15 hrs the next day. This train will halt at Abu Road, Marwar Jn., Ajmer Jn, Phulera Jn, Jaipur Jn, Yamuna Bridge Agra, Prayagraj Jn, Varanasi, Pt Deen Dayal Upadhya Jn. and Danapur stations in both directions.

Bhakar stated that since 23rd March to 22nd April, 2020, fifteen milk special trains were run by Western Rly, with a load of more than 10000 tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons generating revenue of Rs 1.84 crore. Similarly, 74 Covid-19 special parcel trains were also run during this period to transport essential commodities, for which the revenue earned was Rs 2.48 crore. In addition to this, 4 indented rakes carrying 1864 tonnes were also run with 100% utilization generating revenue of more than Rs 77 lakh.

Bhakar further said four parcel special trains left from WR to various parts of the country on 23rd April, 2020 viz. Mumbai Central – Firozpur, Dadar – Bhuj, Ahmedabad – Guwahati and Rajkot – Coimbatore. During the lockdown period from 22nd March to 22nd April, 2020, total 2043 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential commodities amounting to 4.41 million tonnes. 4287 freight trains were interchanged with other railways, including 2158 trains handed over and 2129 trains taken over at different interchange points.

93 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 22nd April, 2020 have been estimated as Rs 530.95 Cr (inclusive of suburban + non-suburban). Inspite of this, Western Railway has ensured to refund Rs. 204.03 crore due to cancellation of tickets till now. It’s worth mentioning that in this refund amount, Mumbai Division itself, has ensured refund of Rs. 99.48 crore.

Till now, 32.26 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets over entire Western Railway & have received their refund amount accordingly. Upto 22nd April, 2020 almost 1.25 lakh masks and above 11,000 liters of sanitizers were made inhouse at various divisions and workshops of WR during the lockdown period.