New Delhi: As the entire country is fighting a battle against COVID-19, the Indian Railways has been ensuring oxygen supply to the needy states through its Oxygen Express.
Addressing a press conference, Railways' CEO and Chairman Railway Board, Suneet Sharma, said, "Railways has taken the job of moving the lifeline oxygen, quickly, to all the areas which are needing them. Since April 22, 25 Oxygen Expresses have completed their journey, moving 56 full tankers with 813 MT of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO)."
He said 25 oxygen tankers have been delivered to Uttar Pradesh, 10 to Maharashtra, 12 to Madhya Pradesh, five to Haryana and four to Delhi. In addition, six oxygen tankers are en route to Delhi, five to Telangana, three to Uttar Pradesh, two to Madhya Pradesh and two to Haryana.
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The Railways ensured that oxygen reaches wherever needed in the minimum possible time, Sharma said, adding, "We are now receiving demands for Oxygen Express from every corner of the country. I want to reiterate the Railways commitment to service, be it Oxygen Express or COVID coaches."
So far, Indian Railways has delivered 174 metric tonnes (MT) LMO to Maharashtra, 335 MT to Uttar Pradesh, 134.77 MT to Madhya Pradesh, 70 MT to Delhi and 79 MT to Haryana. Delhi will receive its 120 MT of LMO in six tankers from Durgapur on Sunday. Telangana, too, will receive its first Oxygen Express, shortly.
Sharma said the Indian Railways has recorded more than 10 percent increase in freight loading as compared to 2019-20. The previous best April was 101.04 MT in April 2019. In April 2021, the Indian Railways earned Rs 11,163.93 crore from freight loading.
Explaining about the passenger services, he said 1,390 special trains, 5,387 suburban services, 26 clone trains and 794 passenger services are being operated on an average every day. Overall, 70 percent of train services have been restored, he said.
