Western Railway with its commitment towards the nation, has continued to ensure that essential commodities are made available across the country, during this difficult time of corona pandemic. It is a matter of honour that WR is able to contribute its services to the nation by supply of not just general essential commodities, but also most urgent medicines & medical equipment too. WR has scheduled various timetabled Parcel special trains to different parts of the country. Out of these, five Parcel Special trains, including a milk rake, departed on 6th June, 2020 from different stations of WR to various destinations across the country.
According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Western Rly, since 23rd March to 5th June, 2020, commodities weighing almost 50 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 16.03 crore. Thirty eight milk special trains were run by Western Rly, with a load of more than 28 thousand tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons, generating revenue of approx Rs 4.83 crore. Similarly, 266 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 10.13 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.
Shri Bhakar, the CPRO, informed that four parcel special trains left from WR for various parts of the country on 6th June, 2020 viz. Bandra Terminus – Okha , Okha – Bandra Terminus, Bandra Terminus – Ludhiana and Dewas – New Jalpaiguri. In addition to this one milk rake left from Palanpur to Hind Terminal. He further stated that during the lockdown period from 22nd March to 5th June, 2020, total 5542 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential commodities amounting to 10.91 million tonnes. 10,907 freight trains have been interchanged with other railways, including 5,495 trains handed over and 5,412 trains taken over at different interchange points. 310 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
He said that the total loss of earnings over Western Railway on account of Corona Virus, has been over Rs 1191 crore, which includes Rs 168.63 crore for suburban section and Rs 1022.64 crore for non-suburban. Inspite of this, due to cancellation of tickets till now, Western Railway has ensured to refund amount of Rs. 312.93 crore. It’s also worth mentioning that in this refund amount, Mumbai division alone, has ensured refund of Rs 146.76 crore. Till now, 47.93 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets over entire Western Railway & have received their refund amount accordingly.
SHRAMIK SPECIAL TRAINS ON WR Western Rly has operated 1217 SHRAMIK SPL trains from 2.5.2020 to 05.06.2020, which have carried 18.28 passengers to their desired destinations. Out of these 1217 trains, Mumbai division has handled highest 706 trains, Ahmedabad division 258, Vadodara division 100, Bhavnagar division 30, Rajkot division 117 and Ratlam division 6 Shramik trains. On 5th June, 2020, WR operated 2 Shramik Specials from Gujarat.
