Indian Railways has been providing bulk cooked food with paper plates for lunch and food packets for dinner through IRCTC base kitchens, RPF resources and contribution of NGOs since March 28.
Meal distribution crossed the one million mark on Saturday with a total of nearly 10.2 lakhs.
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The food distribution is being done to the poor, children, coolies, migrant labourers, stranded persons and whoever else comes in search of food at and near the railway stations, and even at some distances away from the railway stations.
While delivering the food to needy persons, social distancing and hygiene are being observed.
With the active cooperation of IRCTC base kitchens in New Delhi, Bangalore, Hubli, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad, Bhusaval, Howrah, Patna, Gaya, Ranchi, Katihar, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar, Balasore, Vijaywada, Khurda, Katpadi, Tiruchirapalli, Dhanbad, Guwahati, Samastipur, Prayagraj, Itarsi, Vishakhapatnam, Chengalpatu, Pune, Hajipur, Raipur and Tatanagar spread over various zones such as Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern and South Central, nearly 10.2 lakhs cooked meals had been distributed till Friday.
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Of these, over 60 per cent cooked meals have been provided by IRCTC, about 2.3 lakhs meals have been provided by RPF from its resources and nearly 2 lakh meals have been donated by NGOs working with the Railway organizations.
Distribution of food is being done with the help of RPF, GRP, commercial departments of Zones, State Governments and NGOs. GMs/DRMs of concerned Zone and division are also in continuous touch with IRCTC officials to enhance the outreach of these efforts of IRCTC even beyond the station vicinity to cater to the food requirements of needy people in areas surrounding the railway stations with the help of District Administrations and NGOs.
The Railway Protection Force has played a major role in the food distribution to needy people prepared by IRCTC, NGOs and from its kitchens.
Starting with the distribution of food to 5419 needy persons over 74 locations on 28.03.2020, the number has grown daily.
Approximately 6.5 lakhs meals have been distributed by RPF over 313 locations till Friday.
The distribution of meals includes a good portion of what is made by IRCTC as well.