In view of nationwide lockdown in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, South Eastern Railway has come forward to help the poor, needy and destitute people by distributing free meals during this crisis situation. South Eastern Railway, till now has distributed 4,42,105 free and hygienic meals to the helpless, poor and needy people nearby and outside railway areas at its Headquarters & all over four Divisions viz. Kharagpur, Adra, Chakradharpur and Ranchi.
Out of total 4,42,105 meals, 92,880 meals have been served and distributed by Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) utilising its Base Kitchen Infrastructure located in South Eastern Railway stations with the help of Commercial Department. The rest 3,49,225 free meals have been arranged for distribution by Security & other departments of SER. Various associations viz. South Eastern Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation (SERWWO), SER Bharat Scouts & Guides, St. John Ambulance Brigade, Civil Defence etc. have also joined hands in this mass food distribution activities.
Foods have also been distributed through the field units of SER over its jurisdiction and employees are also distributing foods at their personal level or jointly to the needy and poor people. Apart from cooked meals, SER employees are also distributing ration packets containing rice, pulses, potatoes, onions, edible oil, spices, biscuits etc.
This distribution amongst the poor and needy people has been done adopting adequate safety measures including social distancing and imparting best practices in this situation.
These apart, Shramik Special Trains have arrived in South Eastern Railway’s jurisdiction starting from 1st May. IRCTC and Departmental Railway Catering have been involved in providing food packets/meals with drinking water to the migrant workers who have been transported by Shramik Special Trains to their home towns from various parts of the country. The arrangement of food distribution among the migrant workers have been organised jointly by Departmental Railway Catering, IRCTC and Charitable Organisations.
