New Delhi, Mar 27 (IANS): Amid the suspension of passenger, mail and express trains during a 21-day nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus, the Indian Railways has ferried essential items in over one lakh wagons in the last four days.

"Railways is the lifeline to the nation. During the last four days, working 24/7, we have loaded more then one lakh wagons with essential supplies like foodgrain, coal, petroleum products, edible oil, onions, fruits and vegetables, sugar, salt, milk etc," the Railway Ministry said in a tweet.

A senior ministry official said essential staff like loco pilots, station masters, controllers, goods clerks, and maintenance staff like trackmen etc have been deployed at various goods sheds, stations, control offices 24X7 basis to ensure smooth transportation of essential items.

The staff on duty provided with masks and sanitisers have been advised social distancing.

S.C. Jain, DRM Delhi, said that all workplaces at stations, locomotives, offices etc in Delhi Division are being sanitised and staff advised to follow necessary safety precautions.

In the wake of the coronavirus scare across the country, the railways has started the production of sanitizers, medical cots, IV stands, and masks at its production units.

On Friday, coronavirus positive cases in India reached 724, with 17 deaths.