'Over 184 tons of medical supplies delivered during lockdown': Civil Aviation Ministry

Over 184 tons of medical supplies have been delivered during the lockdown period, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said on Tuesday. The statement, dated April 6, further said that under the Lifeline UDAN initiative of MoCA, 132 cargo flights have been operated till date across the country to transport medical cargo to various parts of India including remote and hilly areas. 

"With support from Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private airlines, medical supplies of more than 184 tons have been delivered till date during lockdown period," said the ministry in a statement.

"An air bridge between Shanghai and Delhi has been established. First cargo flight of Air India operated on 4 April 2020 and has brought 21 tons of medical equipment. Air India will be operating dedicated scheduled cargo flights to China for uplifting of critical medical equipment as per the requirement," adds the statement.

READ: Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Centre mulls extending lockdown post-April 14; cases at 4789

'Mission Lifeline Udan' In Full Swing

Earlier in the day, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri asserted the Mission 'Lifeline Udan' to be in full swing, adding that 152 flights of 'hope and solidarity' are supplying essential commodities. Under 'Lifeline Udan initiative' launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), 107 flights have been operated till April 3 for transporting over 138.81 tonnes of medical cargo across the country amid lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

Taking to Twitter, the Aviation Minster stated that 152 flights are transporting 200 tonnes of critical supplies all over the country, adding that no Indian will be left behind. 

READ: Centre mulls extending 21-day COVID-19 lockdown post-April 14 after states demand: Sources

The Lifeline Udan cargo includes COVID-19 related reagents, enzymes, medical equipment, testing kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), masks, gloves and other accessories required by the coronavirus warriors across the country. The carriers involved in Lifeline Udan operations include Air India, Alliance Air, Indian Air Force (IAF) and Pawan Hans. Private carriers like IndiGo, Spicejet and Blue Dart are operating medical cargo flights on a commercial basis.

READ: Air India cabin crew member tests positive for coronavirus; admitted to Mumbai hospital

Coronavirus crisis in India

As of date, over 4000 positive cases have been reported of the pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 325 have been discharged and Maharashtra reported the highest at 868. 114 deaths have been reported to date. India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several other countries. The Prime Minister has issued a 21-day countrywide lockdown starting from 23 March to April 15 and the Finance Minister has announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore package under the 'PM Gareeb Kalyan Scheme'.

READ: Centre mulls extending 21-day COVID-19 lockdown post-April 14 after states demand: Sources