Free train transportation of relief goods for Kerala flood victims

The Railway Ministry will provide free transportation of relief material for flood-hit Kerala, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said, expressing the ministry’s concerned over the flood disaster in the state that has left over 194 people dead since August 8.

"Railways will now provide free transportation of relief material for Kerala through various State Government agencies, PSUs and other Government agencies," Goyal said in a tweet on Saturday

As many as 194 people have lost their lives and 36 are missing in Kerala since August 8 due to rains and landslides, taking the total toll since May to over 320. Over 3.14 lakh people have been moved to relief camps, the state disaster management authority said.

"We are concerned about the wellbeing of people affected by Kerala floods and the Central government is committed to providing all possible help,” Goyal added in his tweet. 

While rakes of 14 trains with drinking water is being sent from Pune, 15 rakes of mail will set off from Gujarat's Ratlam.

A special train with seven open wagons (BRN) containing tanks carrying 2.8 lakh litre of drinking water was dispatched from Erode station in Tamil Nadu on Friday, according to a statement by railways. The Railways has made arrangement for the emergency movement of drinking water by this train to Kerala.