SER produces 1,15,081 face masks and 9,001 litters of hand sanitiser
Kolkata: In view of increasing COVID-19 pandemic, South Eastern Railway has stepped up its all out efforts to produce reusable Face Masks and Hand Sanitizer in four divisions viz. Kharagpur, Adra, Ranchi and Chakradharpur as well as at Kharagpur Workshop. The masks and sanitizer are being prepared under the strict supervision and guidance of Medical Department of SER.
All the divisional units of SER and Kharagapur Workshop have taken major initiatives to gear up their machineries and have produced a total number of 1,15,081 reusable face masks and 9,001 litres of hand sanitizer so far.
To provide extensive support to its employees, South Eastern Railway has distributed reusable face masks and hand sanitizer amongst the frontline staff like loco pilots, guards and concerned staff engaged in running of freight, parcel and special trains for ensuring their protection from the pandemic. It has also been planned to distribute mask and hand sanitizer to all employees of SER.
Apart from the above, masks and sanitizer are also being sent to health units and hospitals over SER. During this situation, wearing face masks and use of hand sanitizer have been made compulsory across the country.
The masks are largely being made using cotton clothes with straps for adjustment and can be reused after proper washing. Hand sanitizer is generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hands.
In-house production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kits have also been started at Kharagpur Workshop and Kharagpur Divisional Unit of SER for supporting the Doctors , Nurses and Health care personnel during treatment of COVID-19 affected people.
SER’s in-house production will not only ensure timely supply of the masks, sanitizers and PPEs to the frontline staff and Health care personnel but will also result in substantial cost savings.
SER distributed 4.42 lakh meals to helpless and needy people during lockdown
Kolkata: In view of nationwide lockdown in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, South Eastern Railway has come forward to help the poor, needy and destitute people by distributing free meals during this crisis situation.
South Eastern Railway, till now has distributed 4,42,105 free and hygienic meals to the helpless, poor and needy people nearby and outside railway areas at its Headquarters & all over four Divisions viz. Kharagpur, Adra, Chakradharpur and Ranchi.
Out of total 4,42,105 meals, 92,880 meals have been served and distributed by Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) utilising its Base Kitchen Infrastructure located in South Eastern Railway stations with the help of Commercial Department.
The rest 3,49,225 free meals have been arranged for distribution by Security & other departments of SER. Various associations viz. South Eastern Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation (SERWWO), SER Bharat Scouts & Guides, St. John Ambulance Brigade, Civil Defence etc. have also joined hands in this mass food distribution activities.
Foods have also been distributed through the field units of SER over its jurisdiction and employees are also distributing foods at their personal level or jointly to the needy and poor people. Apart from cooked meals, SER employees are also distributing ration packets containing rice, pulses, potatoes, onions, edible oil, spices, biscuits etc.
This distribution amongst the poor and needy people has been done adopting adequate safety measures including social distancing and imparting best practices in this situation.
These apart, Shramik Special Trains have arrived in South Eastern Railway’s jurisdiction starting from 1st May. IRCTC and Departmental Railway Catering have been involved in providing food packets/meals with drinking water to the migrant workers who have been transported by Shramik Special Trains to their home towns from various parts of the country.
The arrangement of food distribution among the migrant workers have been organised jointly by Departmental Railway Catering, IRCTC and Charitable Organisations.