For the past few days, due to the rampant second wave of COVID-19, there has been a lack of oxygen in hospitals across various states in India. In an effort to ensure all states have enough oxygen to tackle upcoming fresh cases, Indian Railways rolled out 196 Oxygen Express Trains to all these states. Overall, 11,800 MT of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) in over 727 tankers were delivered, according to a release by the Ministry of Railways.

As per the release, the express trains have eventually brought relief to all these states. Till the time of this release (i.e., 5.45 PM, 19 May 2021), 11 loaded Express Trains are on run with more than 717 MT of LMO in 43 tankers.

Oxygen Expresses have been delivering nearly 800 MT of LMO to the Nation each day for the last few days. The release says that it is the endeavor of Indian Railways to deliver as much LMO as possible in the shortest time possible.

Oxygen relief by these express trains reached out to 13 states namely Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.

Running of new O2 is a very dynamic exercise and figures keep getting updated all the time. More loaded Oxygen Expresses are expected to start their journeys later in the night.

Railway has mapped different routes with Oxygen supply locations and keep themselves ready with any emerging need of the States. States provide tankers to the Indian Railways for bringing LMO.

The central government is pretty well utilizing its resources and making critical deliveries at this needy hour. Thousands of lives can be saved with these efforts. Kudos to the logistical support to our healthcare ecosystem by the Ministry of Railways.

Keep watching this space for more.

Source: Press Information Bureau Delhi