Freight services to run 24X7 throughout the nation to transport essential commodities

After cancellation of passenger train service throughout the country, in wake of COVID-19 pandemic, railway staffs are devoting their 24×7 hours to run uninterrupted freight services throughout the nation carrying essential commodities like salt, sugar, food-grains for public distribution system and petroleum products.

“The Indian Railways never stopped even during the war. Please understand the seriousness of the circumstance. Stay at home,” the Rail Ministry tweeted on Tuesday night showing the magnitude of the current crisis.

All essential commodities like rice, wheat, salt, sugar, potatoes, milk, vegetables, food-grains and petroleum products are being ferried by railways so that there is no shortage of these commodities among the general populace of the country.

Adequate amount of freight trains carrying these commodities are also entering the Barak Valley and being unloaded across the different goods terminals of the region. Currently Indian Railways has terminals at Udaipur, Jirania, Dharmanagar of Tripura and in Bhanga, Salchapra and Ramnagar of Barak valley. On an average 4-5 goods trains are daily entering into the region.

A number of railway maintenance staff, station staff, staff at control offices, staff at Goods Offices, Level Crossing gates etc are working despite the risk, for ensuring that these trains carrying goods reach their destinations safely and supply of essential items for the nation doesn’t get affected.

Close coordination is also being maintained with the State Governments so that the rakes of essential commodities are handled smoothly without any delay, amidst various restrictions imposed in the wake of COVID-19.