Right from assuming office in 2014, Modi government laid special emphasis on Indian Railways and development projects related to it. Now, during the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 and even after that Indian Railways continues in its endeavour to ensure availability of essential commodities through its freight and parcel services. In the latest development, Indian Railways freight shows forward movement again as lockdown is getting lifted. Ministry of Railways has shared some important details with respect to ensuring the availability of essential commodities. Here are top things to know:

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-From 1st May 2020 to 31st May 2020 Indian Railways has transported 82.27 million tonnes of essential commodities which is more than 25% higher compared to month of April.

-In total from 1st April 2020 to 9th June 2020 Indian Railways has transported 175.46 million tonnes of essential commodities across the country.

-From 24.03.2020 to 09.06.2020 more than 31.90 lacs wagons carried supplies to keep the supply chain functional. Of these, more than 17.81 lakhs wagons carried essential commodities.

-For the transportation of essential items like medical supplies, medical equipment, food, etc from 22.03.2020 to 9.06.2020 total 3,861 Parcel Trains have also been run out by Indian Railways. Total 1,37,030 tonnes of consignment have been loaded in these Parcel Trains.

-Transportation of essential items like medical supplies, medical equipment, food, etc in small parcel sizes is very important during the lockdown in the wake of COVID19 and after that. In order to fill in this vital need, Indian Railways has made railway parcel vans available for quick mass transportation by e-commerce entities and other customers including state governments.

-Railways are running time-tabled Parcel Special trains on select routes, to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential items.

"In order to ensure the timely delivery of essential commodities for citizens and goods vital for energy and infrastructure sector, Indian Railways has maintained its freight corridors fully functional in spite of the COVID 19 lockdown and has been successful in meeting the needs of both the households sector and industry," Ministry of Railways said.