As we know, plenty of migrant workers and students are stranded in various regions of the country because of nationwide lockdown. In order to ferry them to their homes, the government allowed the use of special trains.
The home order said the railway ministry would order nodal officers to make coordinate with Union Territories and states. The railway will soon declare the guidelines on the social-distancing norms, the sale of tickets, and so on.
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Railways said,
“As per the guideline issued by the ministry of home affairs, it has been decided to run “Shramik Special” trains from “Labour Day” today, to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to lockdown.”
The decision has taken after states urged the Centre to run transports for students and migrant workers. Earlier, while announcing the special trains, the Centre only allowed the movement by buses.
Movement of migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students & other persons, stranded at different places, is also allowed by #SpecialTrains to be operated by @RailMinIndia. MoR to designate nodal officer(s) for coordinating with States/ UTs for their movement#lockdown #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/UvEvDH1Ibj
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) May 1, 2020
On the request of State governments, these trains will be run from point to point for receiving and sending such stranded workers and students.
The state governments and railways will hire senior officials as nodal officers for effective operations and coordination of these “Shramik Specials”.
The workers and students will be screened before sending them to their homes, and only those would be allowed to travel who found asymptomatic.
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It will be compulsory for Passengers to maintain social distancing and wear masks. Drinking water and meals would be given to the passengers at the originating station.