GROCERIES distributed to CLEANING STAFF AND PORTERS AT BELAGAVI RAILWAY STATION

Pragativahini News, Belagavi – Suresh Angadi, Minister of State of Railways and  Anil S. Benake, Member of Legislative Assembly, Belagavi North distributed  kits of grocery essentials to Railway Sahayaks (Coolies), who have been the most affected due to the lockdown and  Safai Karmacharis,  at Belagavi Railway Station today.

Total 60 Grocery kits were distributed.  Each kit has 4 Kg rice, 1 kg Atta, 1 litre cooking oil, 1 Kg Toor dal, Turmeric powder and jeera.

Arvind Malkhede, Divisional Railway Manager of Hubballi Division was also present on the occasion.

Suresh Angadi, enquired about the issues faced by front line Railway Staff who are working 24×7 and appreciated their service to the nation at this hour of crisis. He counseled them to practice social distancing.

Addressing the Media, Suresh Angadi, said that 20,000 coaches totaling to capacity of 3.2 lakh beds will be converted into Isolation Wards for Covid -19 patients. In first phase 5000 coaches will be made.  Till date about 2500 coaches have been converted as Isolation Wards.

Special Time Tabled Parcel Trains are being run all over the country to ensure that essential goods, medicines and farm produce reach to all people. 128 trains are planned. Of which 57 have reached their destinations already.  Railway is ready to run Timetabled parcel trains from any point to any point in the country. The reason to introduce Parcel trains is to ensure smooth movement of essential commodities without any interruption.  Interested persons can contact the designated officials in Railway, to utilize the service of Parcel trains, he said.

Railways has set up 24×7 control Room as well as two helpline numbers 138 and 139 for addressing queries of Railway Customers, transporters, producers. Isolation Wards and COVID treatment centers have already been set up at Railway Hospitals. This is to support the efforts of various State Governments in this moment of crisis, he added.

Railway Workshops are also producing sanitizers, masks for use of Railway staff and Railway Hospitals. Our staff are working day and night, like soldiers for transporting goods to each corner of the country, displaying their commitment and selflessness, he added.

He said that Kisan Rail Yojna has been introduced in this years Budget and exhorted wholesalers and transporters to make use of this.