New Delhi (NVI): Indian Railways has suspended the operations of its passenger trains till March 31 in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
Currently, the state-transported is operating only freight trains across the country and making all efforts to ensure the availability of essential commodities.
“During the situation of lockdown in various States, Indian Railways Staff deployed at various good sheds, stations and control offices is working on 24/7 basis to ensure that the supply of essential items for the nation does not gets affected,” the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.
On March 23, total 474 rakes were loaded for the supply of essential commodities like food grain, milk, fruits & vegetables, sugar, edible oil, petroleum products and coal across the country, it said.
During the day, total 891 rakes were loaded by Indian Railways which also includes other important commodities like rakes of Iron ore, rakes of steel, cement, rakes of fertilizer, rakes of container etc.
The Ministry also said it was working in close coordination with the state governments for smooth handling of rakes of essential commodities without any delay, amidst various restrictions imposed in the wake of COVID-19.
Indian Railways has slashed the demurrage and wharfage rates for goods and parcels by half of the prescribed rates till March 31, it said.
The validity of the rate policies pertaining to goods/container traffic has also been extended by one month i.e. up to April 30.
Whereas, no haulage charge shall be levied for movement of empty containers/empty flat wagons from March 24 to April 30, the statement said.
Free time for loading or unloading of wagons, and for removal of consignment from the railway premises has been increased to double of the prescribed free time till March 31.
Indian Railways staff, deployed in control rooms for operation of freight trains, line staff, maintenance staff, security personnel and medical staff in railway hospitals are working 24X7.
“The Indian Railways understands its crucial role during this difficult time and requests all to support in ensuring faster loading and unloading of essential supplies,” the ministry said.
