93,000 railway employees infected with Covid

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 24

Indian Railway Chairman Suneet Sharma on Friday said that 93,000 railway employees are down with Covid infection on account of which train services have been marginally affected.

He, however, underlined that the department would not allow freight services to be affected, and it is taking measures to keep up the range of services.

"We are motivating the employees and their families to stand up to the challenge. They have responded to the inspirational ways shown by the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister," Sharma said.

"The railways will not be found wanting in its national duties in this time of crisis," he said.

He said in spite of the Covid challenge, the Railways has resumed 100 per cent of freight services, 80 per cent of passenger trains, and 90 per cent of suburban trains across the country since the national lockdown.

He said the transportation of Liquid Medicine Oxygen (LMO) from one part of the country to another is a huge challenge on account of the product being cryogenic, and dangerous. The trains cannot be accelerated beyond a certain speed, and deceleration has to be undertaken delicately.

The production units of the LMO are concentrated in the eastern part of the country.

The Railways had not faced such a delicate situation before logistics, including ramps had to be set up, and right kind of wagons had to be identified.

"But logistical requirements have been streamlined. The Railways is now geared up to meet the challenge and respond to the requisition of the states."

Sharma said that besides Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi had requisitioned the transportation of LMO.

"We are ready for the services when the states are ready."

The Railway authorities are in touch with the Delhi government, which made the requisition on Thursday afternoon.  

Responding to a question, Sharma denied obstruction of movement of oxygen trains by public in any part of the country.