In view of nationwide lockdown in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, uninterrupted supply of essential commodities across the country is a challenge to the Railways. South Eastern Railway, as per the guidelines given by the Ministry of Railways, has already intensified its entire network for unabated movement of goods trains.
South Eastern Railway, during the phase-wise lockdown, has already unloaded 2,26,829 tonnes of food grains ,salt and fertilizer by hauling 99 rakes at different stations and sidings of South Eastern Railway for serving the people of West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.
Out of this, 1,44,709 tonnes of rice by 66 rakes, 58,358 tonnes of wheat by 24 rakes, 13,250 tonnes of fertilizers by 5 rakes and 10,512 tonnes of salt by 4 rakes had been ferried and unloaded at different locations of South Eastern Railway viz. Midnapur, Kalaikunda, Kharagpur, Balasore, Rupsa, Bankura, Purulia, Adra, Bokaro Steel City, Chandil, Namkon, Tatisilwai etc. during the period from 1st April to 30th April, 2020.
In addition to this, 465 trips of Parcel Express trains were run by this Railway carrying essential commodities viz., fruits, vegetables, fishes, eggs, ginger, garlic, groceries, medicines, medical equipment including PPE Kits, masks, sanitizers etc. to different places in the country from 2nd April to 30th April 2020.
With the overwhelming responses and active participation of a dedicated workforce of frontline warriors of S. E. Railway viz., Loco Pilots, Guards, Trackmen, Station Masters, Parcel and Goods shed staff working at stations and divisional headquarters who are rendering their yeoman services to the nation in spite of nationwide lockdown, this kind of massive task has been materialized. South Eastern Railway is committed to serve during any eventuality.
