Special Shramik trains during the lockdown: Indian Railways has helped over 6,48,000 migrant labourers and other stranded persons to reach their homes amid a nationwide lockdown. Railways has operated 542 special Shramik Trains at the request of state governments as the country witnessed unprecedented scenes of hundreds of thousands of migrant workers walking on foot or using bicycles and rickshaws to reach the safety of their villages.
“6.48 lakh (6,48,000) passengers transported Passengers are being given free meals and water trains being run by Railways only after concurrence is given both by the States which is sending the passengers and the State which is receiving them Social distancing being observed,” said the Ministry of Railways.
Railways said subsequent to the Ministry of Home Affairs order regarding movement of migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places by special trains,Indian Railways had decided to operate Shramik Special”trains.
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India’s national transporter, which has shut passenger movement since March 25, said that it has operated a total of 542 Shramik Special trains till May 12, transporting nearly 6.5 lakh (6,50,000) passengers.
“448 trains had reached its destination and 94 trains are in transit,” Railways Ministry said in a statement.
These 448 trains were terminated in various states like Andhra Pradesh (1 Train), Bihar (117 Trains), Chattisgarh (1 Train), Himachal Pradesh (1 Train), Jharkhand (27 Trains), Karnataka (1 Train), Madhya Pradesh (38 Trains).
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In addition to this, 262 more trains have been operated, these are Maharashtra (3 Trains), Odisha (29 Trains), Rajasthan(4 Trains), Tamil Nadu (1 Train), Telangana(2 Trains), Uttar Pradesh (221 Trains), West Bengal(2 Trains).
These trains have ferried migrants to cities like Tiruchchirappalli, Titlagarh, Barauni, Khandwa, Jagannathpur, Khurda Road, Prayagraj, Chhapra, Balia, Gaya, Purnia, Varanasi, Darbhanga, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Jaunpur, Hatia, Basti, Katihar, Danapur,Muzzaffarpur, Saharsa etc.
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Railways said proper screening of passengers is ensured in these Shramik Special Trains before boarding the train. During the journey, passengers are given free meals and water.
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