Railways to run ‘Oxygen Express’ amid high demand from states
The Indian Railways on Sunday announced that it will deploy first-of-a-kind ‘Oxygen Express’ trains over the next few days to transport liquid medical oxygen (LMO) and oxygen cylinders in bulk along key corridors, amid high demand from states grappling with the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic.
“Railways is leaving no stone unturned in the battle against Covid-19. We will be running Oxygen Express trains using green corridors to get Oxygen in bulk and rapidly to patients,” Union railways minister Piyush Goyal tweeted on Sunday.
Tentatively, a movement plan has been made for dispatching 10 empty tankers on Monday, the ministry of railways said, adding that the transport secretary, Maharashtra, has assured to provide the tankers.
“On 17.04.2021, a meeting was held between Railway Board officials and with State Transport Commissioners and representatives of industry on the subject of issues related to transportation of Liquid Medical Oxygen. It was decided that the tankers would be organised by Transport Commissioner, Maharashtra. These empty tankers would be moved from Kalamboli/Boisar, Railway stations in and near Mumbai, and sent to Vizag and Jamshedpur/Rourkela/Bokaro, for loading of liquid medical oxygen tankers from there,” read the ministry’s statement.
“Zonal Railways have been informed regarding the demands from State Governments. CFTMs and PCOMs are in touch with the Industry and State Governments. Railway Board has directed concerned GMs to be fully prepared and proactively assist the State and Central Government Agencies in movement of Oxygen by rail.”
With several states reporting a shortage of oxygen, the Centre on Friday ordered uninterrupted movement of medical oxygen carrying vehicles along their borders, adding that production and supply must not be curbed.
“The First train with empty containers is expected to leave to Vizag tomorrow from Mumbai region. Containers are expected to get filled in Vizag...Information will be updated as more trains get operationalised and first oxygen loaded train leaves from the filling station,” railway ministry spokesperson said.
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