Western Rly has done a commendable job with its transportation of essential commodities through its parcel special trains and goods trains. Inspite of labour constraints due to pandemic Covid-19, during the lock down and current situation, WR has left no stone unturned to keep the chain of supply moving. This could be made possible only through the concerted efforts of the officers and staff of Western Railway. This team work has made it possible to transport more than one lakh tonnes of essentials through its 475 parcel special trains. It is also noteworthy that the Business Development Unit (BDU) of Vadodara division have made possible transportation of edible oil from Kribhco Rail Infrastructure Ltd – Private Freight Terminal, Hazira to Delhi Kishanganj.
The BDUs set up at zonal headquarters and all divisions of WR are doing a laudable job of attracting transportation of freight. In line with this the latest development of BDU of Vadodara division is loading of edible oil at Kribhco Rail Infrastructure Ltd – Private Freight Terminal, Hazira to Delhi Kishanganj, traversing 1113 kms. The loading of edible oil was done in a mini rake on 18th August 2020 generating revenue of Rs 11 lakh. This freight loading has been made possible because of the various incentives provided by WR.
Since 23rd March to 18th Aug, 2020, commodities weighing above one lakh tonnes were transported to various parts of the country by WR’s 475 parcel special trains. The revenue generated through this transportation has been approx. Rs 32.69 crore. These included 75 milk special trains, with a load of approx. 57 thousand tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons, generating revenue of approx Rs 9.81 crore. Similarly, 376 Covid-19 special parcel trains with a load of above 34,200 tonnes were also run to transport various essential commodities, for which the revenue earned was Rs 17.33 crore. In addition to this, 24 indented rakes carrying approx. 10,400 tonnes were also run with almost 100% utilization generating revenue of about Rs 5.55 crore. On 19th August, 2020, five Parcel Special trains departed from WR, including a milk rake viz. Bandra Terminus to Jammu Tawi, Porbandar to Shalimar, Okha to New Guwahati and an indented rake from Karambeli to New Guwahati. A milk rake also left from Palanpur to Hind Terminal.
During the lockdown period from 22nd March till 18th August 2020, total 12,342 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential commodities amounting to 25.57 million tonnes. 24,272 freight trains have been interchanged with other zonal railways, in which 12,134 trains were handed over and 12,138 trains taken over at different interchange points.
