With an alarming rise in Covid-19 infection and reports of shortage of oxygen supply for Covid-19 patients across several states, the Indian Railways is gearing up for transporting Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) and oxygen cylinders across key corridors of the country. To facilitate these Oxygen Express Trains and ensure fast movement, Green Corridors are being created rapidly.
As per reports, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra state governments had approached Ministry of Railways to explore the possibility of transporting LMO tankers through railways. The Railways immediately explored the technical feasibility of transportation of LMO.
On April 17th, a meeting was held between Railway Board officials and 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 organized 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. Instructions have been issued to Zonal Railways to ensure readiness to receive the trailers and load them back. Ramps have to be built at Vizag, Angul and Bhilai and the existing ramp at Kalamboli is to be strengthened. The Railway Ministry said that Kalamboli ramp would be made ready by April 19. Ramps at other locations would also be ready in a couple of days by the time the tankers reach those locations. The Zonal Railways have been informed regarding the demands from State Governments. Chief Freight Traffic Managers (CFTMs) and Principal Chief Operations Manager (PCOMs) are in touch with the Industry and State Governments. Railway Board has directed concerned General Managers to be fully prepared and proactively assist the State and Central Government Agencies in movement of Oxygen by Rail.