In its first, Railways to transport 'Liquid Medical Oxygen' container trucks on a roll-on roll-off basis
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New Delhi, April 17: Amid looking at the increasing demand for medical oxygen, the Indian railway step forward to assist the nation in this crisis time. Piyush Goyal led India Railway Ministry) formulated a new policy for the transportation of liquid medical oxygen in cryogenic tankers.
It is a first-of-its-kind operation approved by the Railway Ministry. The new policy made by the railway said the cryogenic tankers will be transported as a paid-for roll on-roll of (Ro-Ro) service to various destinations across states. With that, the Indian Railways will soon carry cryogenic tanker trucks loaded with Liquid Medical Oxygen from one part of the country to another.
The circular said the staff accompanying liquid oxygen trucks to be loaded on the Ro-Ro service will be charged second class ticket for the journey and only two persons will be allowed to accompany the truck. The empty flow direction of the containers will also be charged by the railways.
The Railways have said that through this mechanism a significant amount of transportation cost and crucial time can be saved while delivering Medical Oxygen to Health care facilities, especially in view of the surge in COVID cases.
The decision was taken following a plea by the government of Maharashtra for the transportation of liquid oxygen into the state. The circular said Maharashtra’s health secretary had requested the transport of medical oxygen in cryogenic containers.
According to the health ministry, currently, 12 states are facing a shortage of medical oxygen in the country. Maharashtra is one of the 12 states. Maharashtra is among the state's worst-affected affected by the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a comprehensive review to ensure an adequate supply of medical oxygen in the country. Prime Minister took a detailed review of the present situation of medical oxygen supply and its estimated demands in the 12 States which are witnessing a rapid rise in the coronavirus cases.
Besides, Centre has asked all States and Union Territories to ensure hassle-free inter and intra-state movement of Vehicles carrying Medical Oxygen.
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