WR to run two more trips of one parcel train between Kankaria and Bhimsen

As the entire world is fighting to control spread of corona pandemic in its own way, India too is making all possible efforts and ensuring to fight with corona infection at various levels. However, in such an unpleasant atmosphere, Western Rly has taken a unique initiative in providing transportation of essential commodities to various destinations of the country by running timetabled parcel special trains originating from various stations of WR.

According to a press release issued by WR CPRO Ravinder Bhakar, one more parcel special train with two trips has been announced by WR to run between Kankaria and Bhimsen. Train No 00939 Kankaria – Bhimsen parcel special train will leave from Kankaria at 22.00 hrs on 22nd April, 2020 and reach Bhimsen at 17.00 hrs the next day. Similarly, Train No 00940 will leave Bhimsen on 25th April, 2020 at 12.40 hrs and reach Kankaria at 07.30 hrs the next day. The train will halt at Anand, Godhra, Ratlam, Ujjain, Maksi, Bhopal, Bina and Jhansi stations in both directions.

WR has made available a dedicated Helpline No 9004490982
which is manned 24×7 by  WR staff for any
queries regarding the transportation of essential goods. An email id has also
been created for the same [email protected].

Bhakar stated that since 23rd March to 19th April, 2020,
thirteen milk special trains were run by Western Rly, with a load of more than
9000 tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons generating revenue of Rs 1.58
crore. Similarly, 4 indented rakes carrying 1864 tonnes were run with 100%
utilization generating revenue of more than Rs 77 lakh.

In addition to this, 55 Covid-19 special parcel trains were
also run during this period to transport essential commodities, for which the
revenue earned was Rs 1.50 crore. Such loading was possible due to constant
efforts by WR to deliver its best. Wide publicity of WR’s parcel special trains
is being ensured by way of advertisements & news in newspapers, as well as
through social media and SMS, so that traders can book their parcels thereby
ensuring that there is no dearth of essentials required by the people.

Even during the loading/unloading work, proper norms of
social distancing are being observed and the labourers are being provided with
hand sanitizers & other necessary objects. As goodwill gesture,
arrangements for food are also made for the labourers at various places.

Bhakar also said that nine parcel special trains left from WR
to various parts of the country on 20th April, 2020 viz.  Ahmedabad – Guwahati,                Surat – Bhagalpur, Porbandar –
Shalimar, Bandra Terminus – Ludhiana,  
Okha – Trivandrum, Kankaria – Sankrail Goods Terminal, Bhuj – Dadar,         Bandra Terminus – Okha and Okha –
Bandra Terminus. Besides these parcel special trains, one milk special rake
also ran from Palanpur to Hind Terminal.

During the lockdown period from 22nd March to 19th April,
2020, total 1804 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential
commodities amounting to 3.89 million tonnes. 3993 freight trains were
interchanged with other railways, including 2019 trains handed over and 1974
trains taken over at different interchange points.  74 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 19th April, 2020
have been estimated as Rs 486.79 Cr (inclusive of suburban + non-suburban). Inspite
of this, due to cancellation of tickets till now, Western Railway has ensured
to refund Rs. 201.49 crore. It is worth mentioning that in this refund amount,
Mumbai Division itself, has ensured refund of Rs. 98.31 crore. Till now, 30.61
lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets over entire Western Railway &
have received their refund amount accordingly. Upto 19th April, 2020 more than
1.17 lakh masks and almost 10,000 liters of sanitizers were made inhouse at
various divisions and workshops of WR during the lockdown period.