Chandigarh, May 21:
The Markfed has proved equal to the task of adequate ensuring oxygen supplies to Punjab through ‘Oxygen Express’ from Bokaro and Hazira in the wake of spurt in Covid-19 cases and shortage of oxygen.
Disclosing this here today, Cooperation and Jails Minister S. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that the State Government had assigned the task of ferrying oxygen to Markfed which proved its capabilities by organising arrangements of Oxygen in short period of 2 days. “Liasioning and coordination with Railway/CONCOR across different divisions i.e. Northern/Western/Eastern was a challenge besides completion of all statuary compliances and taking services of handlers on board in a short period but Markfed rose to the occasion like a true warrior”, said S. Randhawa.
Pointing out further, the Cooperation Minister said that during such pandemic unavoidable circumstances, supply of Oxygen emerged as main component to save the lives of thousands of people suffering from Covid-19. Unfortunately, Punjab does not have even a single major Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) manufacturing plant in Punjab compelling the State to lift the allocation from Bokaro/Hazira, which are at distance of 1500 km, through cryogenic tankers which makes handling of LMO even tougher, revealed the Minister adding four more containers are being added to augment the supply of Oxygen in the state.
Meanwhile, Markfed deputed two teams of officials to Bokaro and Hazira for coordination and arrangements for supply and distribution of LMO. Besides, a team of Markfed officers at Head office under the guidance of Managing Director Markfed Varun Roojam, is working day and night to make this task a success.
It may be recalled that the State Government directed Markfed on May 13, 2021 for arrangement and supply of oxygen through railways. By making all out efforts, Markfed team ensured that 1st Oxygen express was rolled out Ex-Dappar for Bokaro on May 14, 2021 midnight and the same was received back at Phillaur on May 17, 2021 after filling Oxygen from Bokaro. Besides, the 2nd Oxygen express was received at Bathinda Cantt. from Hazira on May 19, 2021 while the 3rd Oxygen express was received at Phillaur from Bokaro on May 20, 2021.
Likewise, the 4th Oxygen express has left Bathinda Cantt. for filling at Hazira on 20.05.2021 and shall be back at Bathinda on May 22, 2021.
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