The Railways has taken several steps and acted as a lifeline for the nation by carrying essential goods across the country during the lockdown period. After flights, the Railways remain the fastest mode of inter-state transportation for goods.
Executive Director, Ministry of Railway, R D Bajpai said that parcel special trains and goods trains have ensured that all essential commodities are being supplied throughout the country.
He said, the Railways has converted thousands of its coaches into isolation wards and is manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment, masks and sanitizers.
Railways has successfully executed more than 200 long pending maintenance projects of critical importance during COVID-19 lockdown period. This will boost safety and speed of train operations in key sections of tracks.
The Railways operationalized over 4,000 Shramik Special trains across the country and transported more than 60 lakh passengers to their home states. The Railways distributed free meals and free water bottles to migrants travelling in these special trains.
In addition to Shramik Specials, Railways is running 15 pairs of special AC trains and 200 special trains. Railways is also making an all out effort to supplement the health care efforts of State Governments.
A total of 5,231 train coaches were modified to be used as COVID Care Centres. Railways has deployed 960 COVID Care coaches in 5 states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh.
The Railways is also geared up to meet the challenge of providing protection to its front line medical workers and other operational staff persons, from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Railways workshops have produced around two lakh Personal Protective Equipments, PPE gowns and over seven lakh masks during the lockdown period.
