Railways to transport oxygen cylinders, Liquid Medical Oxygen in view of pandemic

As pandemic sitution worsen in the nation, Railways is getting totally prepared to transport Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) and Oxygen Cylinders throughout the important thing Corridors. Availability of oxygen is a key factor in the remedy of sure medical situations in the Covid an infection.

It could also be famous that Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra state governments had approached Ministry of Railways to discover whether or not Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) tankers may very well be moved by Railways.

Railways instantly explored the technical feasibility of transportation of LMO.  LMO has to be transported by way of Roll On Roll Off (RO RO) service with street tankers positioned on flat wagons.

Due to restrictions of peak of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Over Head Equipment (OHE) at sure places, out of the varied specs of street tankers, the mannequin of street tanker T 1618 with peak of 3320 mm was discovered possible to be positioned on flat wagons (DBKM) with peak of 1290 mm.

Railways conducting trials

In order to be sure that parameters of Transportation are examined, trials have been carried out at varied places.

This DBKM wagon was positioned at Kalamboli items shed in Mumbai on 15.04.2021 and a T 1618 tanker loaded with LMO was additionally introduced right here. Joint measurements have been taken by representatives of Industry and Railways.

Based on these measurements, route clearances have been taken and it was discovered that it might be attainable to undertake actions as RO RO as ODC (over dimensional consignment) with velocity restrictions on some sections relying on overhead clearances.

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In order to allow industrial reserving and freight fee for RO RO motion of LMO in cryogenic tankers, Ministry of Railways has introduced out a round on 16.04.2021 offering all the required particulars and steering on the matter. Copy of the round is enclosed.

On 17.04.2021 April, a gathering was held between Railway Board officers andwith State Transport Commissioners and representatives of business on the topic of “Issues associated to transportation of Liquid Medical Oxygen.

It was determined that the tankers can be organized by Transport Commissioner, Maharashtra. These empty tankers can be moved from Kalamboli/Boisar, Railway stations in and close to Mumbai, and despatched to Vizag and Jamshedpur/Rourkela/Bokaro, for loading of liquid medical oxygen tankers from there.

Instructions issued to Railways zonal officers

In pursuance of the above determination, directions have been issued to Zonal Railways to guarantee readiness to obtain the trailers and cargo them again. Ramps have to be constructed at Vizag, Angul and Bhilai and the present ramp at Kalamboli is to be strengthened. The Kalamboli ramp can be made prepared by 19.04.2021. Ramps at different places would even be prepared in a pair of days by the point the tankers attain these places.

On 18.04.2021 a trial was organised at Boisar (Western Railway) the place a loaded tanker was positioned on a flat DBKM and all of the required measurements have been taken.

Railways have already positioned DBKM wagons at Kalamboli and at different places in expectation of motion of tankers to varied places. Railways are awaiting recommendation from Maharashtra to transfer the tankers.

Tentatively a motion plan has been made for dispatching 10 empty tankers on 19.04.2021. Transport Secretary Maharashtra has assured to present the tankers by 19.04.2021.

Zonal Railways have been knowledgeable relating to the calls for from State Governments. CFTMs and PCOMs are in contact with the Industry and State Governments. Railway Board has directed involved GMs to be totally ready and proactively help the State and Central Government Agencies in motion of Oxygen by Rail and has additionally nominated ED/TT/F as Nodal Officer in Railway Board.

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