Railways ferries tractors to Gujarat, R'sthan from Karnataka

Bengaluru : With agricultural activity and harvesting in full swing, the South Western Railway ferried tractors to Gujarat and Rajasthan from Dodaballapur in Karnataka amid the extended lockdown, an official said on Friday.

"We have transported 175 tractors and farm equipment of Tafe to Kankaria near Ahmedabad in Gujarat in one rake of NMG (newly modified goods) wagons on April 29 from Dodballapur near Bengaluru, covering 1,720 km in 2 days," the official told IANS in a statement here.

Likewise, another rake with 175 Tafe tractors and farm equipment was sent to Kanakpura in Rajasthan, covering 2,160 km within 3 days.

"The tractors and farm equipment will help the farmers in both the western states to plough their field for sowing in the kharif season after summer," asserted the official.

Agriculture activities were fully restored from April 15 across the country after the 21-day first phase of lockdown ended on April 14 to enable farmers and growers resume production.

"We have also been transporting essential goods, foodgrains, raw materials, medicines and personal protection equipment (PPEs) for healthcare workers to other states from Hubli and Mysuru stations in our zone," said the official.

The zonal railways is also operating freight and parcel trains on many routes to rush essentials and medicines.