South Central Railway keeps the Wheels moving to Transport Essential Commodities and meet Public Needs

Express, Passenger and Suburban Train Services all over India have been stopped till 31st March, 2020. While the fact is, all passenger carrying trains have been brought to a halt in the wake of the fight against spread of Covid-19 Corona Virus, Freight train services are being run to transport essential commodities for meeting the needs of the Nation, 24 X 7 by Indian Railways. 

 

South Central Railway has been in the forefront of this endeavor and in the last 3-day period of stoppage of passenger carrying train services, the zone has run over 200 freight carrying trains everyday between 22nd to 24th March, 2020 and the operations will continue. Commodities principally being transported by the Zone include Coal to various Thermal Plants to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the region; petroleum products to meet the needs of the industry and other users; food grains, milk etc. to meet the basic needs of the people during this emergent period.

 

This has been possible on account of the commitment and duty mindedness of the workforce of the SCR deployed at various Goods sheds, Stations and control Offices besides on field duties. The staff are involved in planning and handling rail operations, maintenance of Rolling stock, Signal & Telecommunication network, Electrical equipment, Security needs and most importantly in the vital safety aspect of track maintenance. On the sidelines, Continuous cleaning activity and sterilization of passenger coaches, railway stations and other premises is also being undertaken by Staff.

 

Close Coordination is being maintained with the state governments so that rates of essential commodities are handled smoothly without delay, amidst various restrictions imposed in the wake of COVID-19. Indian Railways has slashed the demurrage and wharfage rates for goods and parcels at half of the prescribed rates till 31st March, 2020. Free time for loading/unloading of wagons and free time for removal of consignment from railway premises has been increased to double of the prescribed free time till 31st March, 2020.

 

Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, SCR has been personally monitoring the entire situation and feasibility plans for operating freight carrying trains on a daily basis. Extensive coordination between various departments is enabling the zone to ensure that the workforce handling various tasks, report and perform their duties with a strong motto to serve National interest in difficult times. SCR requests all the stake holders to fully support in ensuring faster loading and unloading of essential supplies.