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 395 special trains including 338 Parcel special & 57 milk special trains despite nation wide lockdown.
Despite adverse effects of corona pandemic, since 23rd March to 12th July, 2020, commodities weighing more than 75 thousand tonnes have been transported by Western Rly through its 395 parcel special trains, which mainly included agricultural produce, medicines, fish, milk etc. The earnings generated through this transportation, has been approx Rs 23.88 crore. During this period, 57 milk special trains were run by Western Rly, with a load of approx. 43 thousand tonnes and 100% utilization of the wagons, generating revenue of approx Rs 7.39 crore. Similarly, 328 Covid-19 special parcel trains with a load of approx. 28 thousand tonnes were also run to transport various essential commodities, for which the revenue earned was Rs 14.32 crore.
In addition to this, 10 indented rakes carrying 4355 tonnes were also run with almost 100% utilization generating revenue of more than Rs 2.16 crore. During the lockdown period from 22nd March till 12th July, 2020, total 8963 rakes of goods trains have been used by WR to supply essential commodities amounting to 18.43 million tonnes. 17,591 freight trains have been interchanged with other zonal railways, in which 8788 trains were handed over and 8803 trains taken over at different interchange points. 397 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. One parcel special train left from Porbandar to Shalimar on 13th July, 2020.
LOSS OF PASSENGER EARNINGS DUE TO LOCKDOWN
The total loss of earnings over Western Railway on account of Corona Virus, has been almost Rs 1703 crore, which includes about Rs 250 crore for suburban section and about Rs 1453 crore for non -suburban. Inspite of this, resulting to cancellation of tickets since 1st March’2020 to 10th July, 2020, Western Railway has ensured to return refund amount of Rs. 392.39 crore. It’s worth mentioning that in this refund amount, Mumbai division alone, has ensured refund of Rs 187.12 crore. Till now, 60.25 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets over entire Western Railway & have received their refund amount accordingly.
