MOGA: Northern Railways special trains hired by Food Corporation of India (FCI) have transported 18 LMT of food grain, like wheat, rice and potatoes, to various parts of the nation between March 22 and May 12. Rajesh Aggarwal, Divisional Railway Manager (DMR), Ferozpur, Northern Railways, has said that the railways have played a pivotal role in maintaining an adequate supply of essential commodities during the lockdown. Aggarwal has said that the operation of the railways was in full swing during the lockdown period. The railway teams, although short of transportation vehicles and staff, have been working round the clock. He further said that, in one rake, at least 84 wagons have been loaded against the normal capacity of 42 wagons, which saved both labor cost and time, both of them in shortage. Adequate social distancing, protective equipment like masks, gloves and sanitisers along with disinfecting wagons were provided to the staff as per the guidelines, the railways have confirmed.