New Delhi: The Indian government said that under the Lifeline Udan initiative, 97 flights have transported 119 tonnes of medical supplies across the country till April 2.

According to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, these flights are being operated to transport essential medical cargo to remote parts of the country to support India's war against Covid-19.

"The flights have been operated by Air India, Alliance Air, Indian Air Force, Pawan Hans and private carriers. Seventy-one of these aircraft have been operated by Air India and Alliance Air," read a statement issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

"The supplies include Covid-19 related reagents, enzymes, medical equipment, testing kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, gloves, other materials of HLL and ICMR."

As per the statement, the Lifeline Udan flights connects hubs in locations like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Agartala, Aizwal, Dimapur, Imphal, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Ranchi, Port Blair and Goa.

"Special focus has been given on the northeast region, island territories and the hill states. MoCA, Air India and IAF have collaborated closely for last mile deliveries to Ladakh, Dimapur, Imphal, Guwahati and Port Blair," the statement said.

"Bulk of the cargo comprises low-weight and voluminous packages containing masks, gloves and other consumables; that require more cargo space per ton of material. Special permission has been taken to store cargo in the passenger seating area and overhead cabins, with due care and precautions," it added.

As part of India's war against Covid-19, the Civil Aviation Ministry had launched Lifeline Udan flights on March 26 for movement of medical and essential supplies across the country and beyond.
At present, no foreign or domestic passenger flight operations are allowed (IANS)