COVID-19: Railways To Run 500 Special Trains To Take Stranded People Home

New Delhi: The Railways rolled out six Shramik Special trains on Labour Day and 11 more on Saturday to transport some of those who were stranded in different states, due the nationwide lockdown, to their native places.

Many more are lined up in the next few days. According to an estimate of the ministry of Railways, around 500 such special trains will have to be operated to take stranded migrant workers, students, pilgrims and others home.

The government is looking to complete the job done in 15 days, according to a report in the Indian Express on Sunday. At least 1,200 rakes are available for the job and even more can be pressed into service, if needed.

The trains will be planned as per requests from different states.

Indian Railways on Saturday issued a Standard Operating Procedure for these Shramik Special trains, according to which states have to ensure at least 90 per cent of the 1,200 capacity in each train to be filled.

The minimum distance between originating and destination station has to be more than 500 km.

One meal will be provided by states at originating station, while Railways will give a complimentary meal and water on board.

This is because coordination with states was turning into a major pain point in the operation, officials said.