Coronavirus Outbreak: Eastern Railways flags off 'Arjun' train for healthcare staff

As nation continues to fight dely Coronavirus, West Bengal Government started a special train 'Arjun' for employees of health services and or staff of Indian Railways to maintain emergency services of railway in view of Coronavirus pandemic in country.

special train has two EMU coaches which started from Saturday under flagship of Eastern Railway Sealdah division. "It is a special train for medical staff. It has started from March 21," Nndra Kumar, an official, said.

While interacting with a news ncy, Chief Public Relations Officers (CPRO) of Eastern Railway Nikhil Chakraborty said, " special train Arjun will carry employees of health services and or staff of railways to maintain emergency services. Despite virus threat, Indian Railway is maintaining emergency services to enable unhindered movement of essential commodities."

According to latest Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's record, state of West Bengal has so far confirmed 18 positive Coronavirus and one person has died of dely virus in state. 

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India sees a rise in COVID-19 cases 

According to latest figure available on Sunday, India has so far reported 1024 confirmed cases of Coronavirus and 27 people have died so far. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi anunced a 21-day lockdown throughout India starting at midnight on Tuesday. He said that 21 days were necessary for breaking transmission cycle of pandemic. 21-day curfew applies to all states, districts, and vills - irrespective of wher y are currently under curfew or t. 

"From midnight, across country, re will be countrywide lockdown in India. re will be a complete restriction of leaving out from residence. All districts, vills will be locked down. This is curfew only -a stricter curfew than Janta curfew. We have to bear ecomic consequences because of this. But to save every Indian's life at this time is my and government's responsibility," said PM Modi. 

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(With inputs from ANI)