In a significant development, an Oxygen Express train, operated entirely by a female crew, has successfully reached Bengaluru from Jamshedpur, carrying a crucial cargo of 120 metric tonnes of medical oxygen. The arrival of the 7th Oxygen Express was announced by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday.
This specially manned train is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring a continuous and much-needed supply of oxygen to COVID-19 patients in Karnataka. Amidst the escalating COVID-19 crisis in the state, the government has made a demand for 1,200 metric tonnes of oxygen per day to meet the surging healthcare requirements.
Adding to this noteworthy development, the 8th Oxygen Express has also reached Bangalore, originating from Jamnagar in Gujarat. The simultaneous arrival of these oxygen-laden trains underscores the collective effort to address the critical healthcare needs arising from the pandemic.
The 7th #OxygenExpress to Karnataka has arrived in Bengaluru from Tatanagar.
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) May 22, 2021
This Oxygen Express train piloted by an all female crew will ensure continued supply of Oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the State. pic.twitter.com/UFWgKwVyuZ
As Karnataka reported a staggering 32,218 new Covid-19 infections and 353 Corona-related deaths on Friday, the total number of cases in the state has now reached 23.67 lakh, with fatalities totaling 24,207. The dedicated supply of oxygen through these express trains marks a crucial step in the ongoing battle against the pandemic in the region.