1. To all those who are debating on the "Oxygen Express" why is it taking so long to reach from Vishakapatnam to Mumbai and that too such a longer route which should be easily covered in about 24-28hrs. A thread contd.... @ChaiBiskutBhai @TapChanger

2. First of all this is a Freight train and in some of the sections freights movement can be restricted specifically if the consignment is categorised as Over-Dimensioned Consignment. In the case of the Oxygen tankers they fall in this category as per RDSO guidelines.

3. The sub-category is class B where the sectional speed is restricted to 40, however in this exceptional case the speed might have been increased to max Speed of 65, the type wagon used in this case simply calling it Military Wagon their dimensions are as per ODC guidelines.

4. The reason for speed out of the way, the route taken was longer a best guess reason is to avoid any section with Tunnels, any rupture in the tank can cause leakage or explosion which can be catastrophic event. Contd 4a

4a. Railways transporting such a cargo was for the first time and did not wanted to leave anything to chance which is a best guess again.

5. As a general operation, Freight trains have loco pilots/crews at specific locations who have the idea/learning of the "Road" ahead and there will be a technical halt of 15mins to half an hour for crew change. Contd in 5a

5a. In this case since this is a emergency the crew would have been kept on standby at the crew lobby/station ready to take over the charge for the next section or till the crew changeover station.

6. The sectional clearances and permissions were provided keeping in mind all the operational specifics taken into consideration. I hope this clears a lot of air about the reasons for taking longer time.

7. At a time when a pandemic is raging on and with a significant number of Railway employees infected yet running the services is commendable for the railways and should be appreciated for this.

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