Railways to run 2,600 more Shramik Special trains in next 10 days to ferry 36 lakh migrant workers back home
Railways today decided to operationalise 2,600 more Shramik Special Trains in next ten days across the country. This initiative is expected to benefit 36 lakh stranded passengers.
Indian Railways to operationalise 2600 More Shramik Special Trains in next 10 days.The decision is going to benefit around 36 lakhs stranded migrants.Indian Railways has run 2600 Shramik Special Trains in last 23 days.https://t.co/Aeh4QrHogZ#IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/GphzRrXAjm
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) May 23, 2020
Addressing media in a press briefing in New Delhi, Railway Board Chairman, V K Yadav, informed that, over 45 lakh people have returned to their native places, since May 1, 2020, through the Shramik Special Trains. Railways started running Shramik Special trains to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to lockdown.
Shramik special trains
Shramik special trains are being run from point to point on the request of both the concerned State Governments. The Railways and State Governments have appointed senior officials as Nodal Officers for coordination and smooth operation of these Shramik Specials.
Mr Yadav also informed that the Railways will further make arrangements for more of such trains as in when requests are received from the state and district authorities.
Apart from Shramik Special Trains, Railways Ministry has started 15 pairs of Special Trains from May 12, 2020, and announced 200 train services to be started from May 1, 2020.
Railways has transported more than 97 lakh tonnes of food grains between April 1 to May 22, 2020. Railways has ensured the availability of essential commodities like food grains through its freight services during the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19. Railway Board Chairman V K Yadav said, more than 3,255 parcel trains have been run to transport essential items like medical supplies and equipment, food items, milk and dairy. Mr Yadav said, Railways has distributed over 47 lakh free meals to needy persons during the lockdown.
The food is being distributed to the poor, children, migrant labourers, stranded persons and the needy that come in search of food near the railway stations.
The chairman said Railway has also contributed immensely in the efforts to domestically Produce PPEs and Sanitizers. He said, 1.2 lakh coveralls of PPEs and 1.4 lakh litres Sanitizers produces were produced in house by Railway workshops.