GUWAHATI, April 5 - The Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) has ramped up in-house production of masks and sanitisers as part of its effort to make these items available to all its staff members in the time of the global coronavirus pandemic.
�Indian Railways is making all-out efforts to supplement the healthcare initiatives of the Government of India. In this direction, Indian Railways is producing masks and hand sanitisers in-house in its all zonal railways, production units and PSUs as these items are of great necessity during the current period. This is in addition to the various other measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19,� said Subhanan Chanda, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of NFR.
He said NF Railway has produced more than 800 litres of hand sanitisers and nearly 20,000 masks for use by its on-duty staff.
�Masks are being made by staff who are working from their respective homes due to the lockdown and hand sanitisers are being produced in various depots. Masks are being made by staff in various locations like Lumding, Silchar, Katihar, Tinsukia, Rangiya, Agartala and Alipurduar,� Chanda said
He added that across the country the Indian Railways has produced about three lakh masks and over 26,000 litres of hand sanitisers in all its zonal railways and production units combined.
�Operation and maintenance staff of NFR are working round the clock since freight operations are running 24x7 to maintain supplies of essentials items and other goods throughout the nation. To ensure the safety of these staff and boost their morale, several steps have been taken. Masks and hand sanitiser are being made available to all staff doing their duty. These are also being ensured for contract labourers. Soap, water and washing facilities are being provided at all workplaces. Washing facilities have been provided at all vulnerable locations. Social distancing is being ensured. Awareness in this regard is being regularly spread amongst all staff like trackmen and locomotive pilots,� Chanda said.
He added that more than 200 foodgrains-loaded rakes of freight trains have been operated by NFR since the start of the nationwide lockdown.
