Bengaluru: The Oxygen Express will transport Liquid Medical Oxygen and Oxygen cylinders to states across the country that are facing a shortage. 

Today, ten empty tankers are expected to be moved from either Kalamboli or Boisar near Mumbai and sent to either Jamshedpur or Rourkela or Bokaro and Vizag for loading liquid medical oxygen tankers from there.

Ramps are being built at Vizag, Angul and Bhilai, and the existing ramp at Kalamboli is being strengthened. The ramps are expected to be ready by the time tankers reach the filling stations.

To facilitate easy and smooth transport of oxygen across the country, a Green Corridor is being created. This will ensure fast movement of Oxygen Express trains and secure supply of medical oxygen in bulk and rapidly to patients.

On Sunday (April 18), Western Railway held a trial at Boisar, where a loaded tanker was placed on a flat wagon, and all the required measurements were taken.

Road tanker T1618 with a height of 3320 mm has been found to be feasible to be placed on flat wagons with a height of 1290 mm, taking into account the size of Road Over Bridges and Over Head Equipment at specific locations.

Industrial Oxygen limited to 9 industries

With the requirement of oxygen for effective clinical treatment of Covid-19 patients witnessing a massive hike, the Centre has prohibited the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes by manufacturers and suppliers from April 22 till further orders.

This move will make available surplus oxygen for use as medical oxygen for the treatment of Covid patients.

The prohibition, however, excludes industries manufacturing ampoules and vials, pharmaceutical, petroleum, steel, Oxygen cylinders and process industries that require the uninterrupted operation of furnaces.

Oxygen supply will also not be curtailed for nuclear energy facilities, wastewater treatment plants and food and water purification plans.