Despite nation wide lockdown due to global corona pandemic, Western Railway with its commitment towards the nation and the people, has continued to work at large by ensuring that essential commodities are made available across the nation during this difficult time.
According to a press release issued by Shri Ravinder Bhakar – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Rly, since 23rd March to 27th April, 2020, commodities weighing 19600 tonnes have been transported by Western Rly through its various parcel special trains, which included agricultural produce, medicines, fish, milk etc.
The earnings generated through this transportation, was approx Rs 6.18 crore. During this period, seventeen milk special trains were run by Western Rly, with a load of more than 12000 tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons generating revenue of above Rs 2.10 crore. Similarly, 100 Covid-19 special parcel trains were also run to transport essential commodities, for which the revenue earned was Rs 3.30 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. The total loading in this period has been over 20000 tonnes, thereby earning Rs 6.18 crore. Shri Bhakar informed that six parcel special trains left from WR for various parts of the country on 28th April, 2020 viz. Porbandar – Shalimar, Bandra Terminus – Ludhiana, Okha – Bandra Terminus, Bandra Terminus – Okha, Bhuj – Dadar and Palanpur – Sankrail Goods Terminal. In addition to this one milk rake left from Palanpur to Hind Terminal.
Its worth mentioning that 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 i.e cmicccg@gmail.com.
Shri Bhakar stated that during the lockdown period from 22nd March to 27th April, 2020, total 2437 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential commodities amounting to 5.29 million tonnes. 5102 freight trains were interchanged with other railways, including 2576 trains handed over and 2526 trains taken over at different interchange points.
123 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 loss of earnings over Western Railway in the month of March, 2020 was Rs 207.11 and up to 27th April, 2020 has been estimated as Rs 397.44, thus totaling loss of earnings to Rs 604.55 Cr (inclusive of suburban + non-suburban).
Inspite of this, due to cancellation of tickets till now, Western Railway has ensured to refund Rs. 205.27 crore. It’s also worth mentioning that in this refund amount, Mumbai division itself, has ensured refund of Rs 100.02 crore. Till now, 32.40 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets over entire Western Railway & have received their refund amount accordingly.
