New Delhi, Apr 13 (IANS): The Indian Railways, which suspended passenger, mail and express trains during the 21-day nationwide lockdown, has transported 36,724 wagons loaded with food grain across the country in the first 12 days of April.

A Railway Ministry spokesperson said from April 1 to April 12, as many as 36,724 wagons delivered food grain, 861 wagons sugar, 1,753 wagons salt, 606 tankers edible oil and 14,317 wagons fertilizers.

The official said that one wagon contains 58-60 tonnes of consignment.

These efforts have been made to ensure that farm products like grains, sugar, salt and edible oil are picked up on time and also to ensure timely supply of adequate quantity of fertilizers to farmers during the nationwide lockdown and essentials to people.

The loading, transportation and unloading of these essential commodities has been in full swing.

He said that coordination was ensured with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers for the movement and availability of fertilizers for the upcoming Kharif season and the Ministry of Agriculture for grain loading.

The official said that 63 routes have been notified and 171 time-tabled trains are operating on these routes for transporting perishable commodities, including fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products and seeds for agricultural purpose on Monday.