Lifeline Udan delivers over 684 tons of essentials & medical supplies amid Covid lockdown

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday informed that 383 flights have covered a distance of 3,76,952 km to transport over 684 tons of essential and medical cargo delivered across the country under Lifeline Udan during the Coronavirus lockdown. "The spirit of service with which Corona warriors of Lifeline UDAN have been serving fellow citizens by transporting medical and essential supplies is truly laudable," the minister said in a tweet.

Hardeep Puri lauds efforts of Corona warriors

"383 flights have been operated under Lifeline Udan by Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private carriers. 223 of these flights have been operated by Air India and Alliance Air. Cargo transported till date is around 684.08 tons. Aerial distance covered by Lifeline Udan flights till date is over 3,76,952km," said an official statement of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

According to the statement, helicopter services including Pawan Hans Ltd have been operating in J&K, Ladakh, Islands and North East region transporting critical medical cargo and patients. A special focus has been on the North East region, island territories and the hill states. The statement said domestic cargo operators SpiceJet, Blue Dart and Indigo are operating cargo flights on a commercial basis.

Air India has brought 554 tons of medical cargo

"In the international sector, a cargo air-bridge was established with East Asia for transportation of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and Covid-19 relief material. The quantity of medical cargo brought in by Air India is 554 tons till 25th April 2020," it added.

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(With ANI inputs)