WR transported more than 86700 tonnes of essentials through 431 parcel special trains

Western Railway’s Parcel Special trains are continuously on the move during the lockdown period in fulfilling the responsibility of transporting most essential items like medical equipment, medicines, food grains across the nation. WR is also ensuring the supply of milk and milk products to different parts of the country through its milk special trains. On 30th July, 2020, three Parcel Special trains departed from WR, Bandra Terminus – Jammu Tawi & Kankaria – Cuttack special trains and a milk special train from Palanpur to Hind Terminal.

According to a press release issued by WR CPRO Sumit Thakur, since 23rd March to 29h July, 2020, commodities weighing above 86,700 tonnes have been transported by Western Rly through its 431 parcel special trains, which mainly included agricultural produce, medicines, fish, milk and others. The earnings generated through this transportation, has been approx. Rs 27.53 crore. During this period, 65 milk special trains were run by Western Rly, with a load of more than 49 thousand tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons, generating revenue of approx Rs 8.47 crore.

Similarly, 351 Covid-19 special parcel trains with a load of more than 31 thousand tonnes were also run to transport various essential commodities, for which the revenue earned was Rs 15.74 crore. In addition to this, 15 indented rakes carrying 6493 tonnes were also run with almost 100% utilization generating revenue of more than Rs 3.33 crore. During the lockdown period from 22nd March till 29th July, 2020, total 10,590 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential commodities amounting to 21.64 million tonnes. 20,744 freight trains have been interchanged with other zonal railways, in which 10,360 trains were handed over and 10,384 trains taken over at different interchange points.

The total loss of earnings over Western Railway on account of Corona Virus, has been around Rs 1932 crore, which includes about Rs 287 crore for suburban section and approx. Rs 1645 crore for non -suburban. Inspite of this, resulting to cancellation of tickets since 1st March, 2020 to 29th July, 2020, Western Railway has ensured to return refund amount of Rs. 406.56 crore. It’s worth mentioning that in this refund amount, Mumbai division alone, has ensured refund of Rs 194.96 crore. Till now, 62.50 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets over entire Western Railway & have received their refund amount accordingly.