To fulfill the commitment towards the nation, Western Railway is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that essential commodities are made available across the nation, even during the time of restricted traffic flow under corona pandemic lockdown. WR is doing its optimum and has scheduled various special timetabled Parcel trains to different parts of the country. In continuation to this, WR has operated 270 Parcel special & 39 milk special trains despite nation wide lockdown.
Commodities weighing more than 51 thousand 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, has been approx Rs 16.31 crore. During this period, thirty nine milk special trains were run by Western Rly, with a load of approx 29 thousand tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons, generating revenue of approx Rs 4.97 crore. Similarly, 270 Covid-19 special parcel trains with a load of approx. 20 thousand tonnes were also run to transport essential commodities, for which the revenue earned was Rs 10.27 crore. In addition to this, 5 indented rakes carrying 2378 tonnes were also run with 100% utilization generating revenue of more than Rs 1.07 crore.
Two parcel special trains left from WR on 7th June, 2020 viz. Porbandar – Shalimar and Karambeli – New Guwahati special. He apprised that during the lockdown period from 22nd March till 6th June, 2020, total 5637 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential commodities amounting to 11.11 million tonnes. 11,071 freight trains have been interchanged with other railways, in which 5,577 trains handed over and 5,494 trains taken over at different interchange points. 315 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.
LOSS OF PASSENGER EARNINGS DUE TO LOCKDOWN
The total loss of earnings over Western Railway on account of Corona Virus, has been over Rs 1205 crore, which includes Rs 170.83 crore for suburban section and Rs 1034.43 crore for non-suburban. Inspite of this, due to cancellation of tickets till now, Western Railway has ensured to refund amount of Rs. 316.23 crore. It’s also worth mentioning that in this refund amount, Mumbai division alone, has ensured refund of Rs 148.04 crore. Till now, 48.43 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets over entire Western Railway & have received their refund amount accordingly.
