'Water train' leaves Miraj for drought-hit Latur

Mumbai, April 11: A 'water train' with 10 wagons carrying water for parched Latur in Marathwada region, which is battling the worst drought ever, today left from Miraj in western Maharashtra. The train is expected to reach Latur later on Monday, April 11.

The railway wagons meant for supplying water to Latur had reached Miraj from Kota in Rajasthan yesterday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said yesterday that Maharashtra government and Railway Ministry were working hard to bring relief to people in drought affected region.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had said, "50 Tank Wagons steam cleaned reached Miraj for Latur." On April 8, one of two goods trains carrying 50 wagons of water for drought-affected areas of Latur departed from Kota workshop for Miraj in Pune division.

The second goods train consisting of 50 wagons is expected to be ready for water loading around April 15, a Railway official earlier said.

"As per instructions from the Ministry of Railways, Kota workshop received two goods trains consisting of 50 tank wagons (BTPN) each for deployment in drought-affected areas of Latur during the summer season and the trips of the trains will be arranged as per the requirement," he said.

The carrying capacity of these wagons is 54,000 litres of waters per wagon.

PTI