Pune: The death toll due to the devastating rains and floods in Kerala has increased to 370, with rescue operations continuing in the worst affected districts of Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur.
The Indian Railways is always ahead to help the people in difficult time. After ‘Jal Doot’, a train with 29 wagons filled with drinking water, was dispatched to Kayamkulam junction in coastal part of Kerala from Pune on Saturday as the state is suffering from severe shortage of drinking water, a train has been sent by the Pune Division to evacuate stranded people.
“An empty train with 18 coaches, all general bogey, has been sent to Thiruvananthapuram on Monday at 3 am from Pune. The train left post-midnight to rescue stranded people from flood-affected regions in Kerala. It is heading to Thiruvananthapuram. The train will be useful for Southern Railways. It will be used by them as needed,” said Manoj Jhawar, spokesperson of Pune Division.
On Saturday, a water train with a total of 14.5 lakh litres of water was sent to Kerala. Half of the water had come from Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh in 15 coaches, while 14 coaches were filled at Pune Coaching Complex, with some help from Pune Fire Brigade, before being dispatched for Kayamkulam.
According to Milind Deouskar, Divisional Railway Manager of Pune Division took the initiative after the Railways enquired which division had the capacity to fill the wagons with water within minimal time.
“Indian Railways have always been ahead in its social concerns and responsibilities to help people during natural calamities and difficult times. Due to the floods in Kerala, the lives of the citizens have been badly affected. Due to the crisis of drinking water to the people there, the railway administration has decided to send drinking water through the tank wagons,” said Deouskar.
