Ministry of home affairs Permits the Movement Of Stranded People By Train; Indian Railways To Run ‘Shramik Special’

INDIA: Indian Railways has decided to run “Shramik Special” trains in order to move migrant workers and all those pilgrims, tourists, students, and people who are stranded at different places amid the coronavirus lockdown. These special trains will be run from point to point on the request of both the concerned state government as per the standard protocols for sending and receiving such stranded persons, Railways said in a communication on Friday.

In an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Home secretary will exercise the powers conferred in section 10 (2) (I) of the Disaster Management Act, and soon start the railway service for migrant laborers, students, pilgrims, tourists stranded in other states amid of lockdown.

The Railways and State Governments will have to appoint senior officials as Nodal Officers for coordination and smooth operation of these “Shramik Specials”.  In the release, the Railways said that the passengers will be screened by the sending states and only those found asymptomatic would be allowed to travel.

Officials said the sending state governments will also have to bring these persons in batches that can be accommodated in the train to the designated Railway Station in sanitized buses following social distancing norms and other precautions. And It will be mandatory for every passenger to wear face masks. Meals and drinking water would be provided to the passengers by the sending states at the originating station, the Railways said.

Railway and commerce minister piyush agarwal has also showed his gratitude towards this decision by tweeting “Thanks to PM Narendra modi ji and home minister Amit Shah ji for allowing the railway service in order to move all stranded citizens in various parts due to the lock down.”

By running ‘Shramik Special Train’ railway department will ensure that people who are  away from their home, should reach their destination.